Abstract: An exposing unit optically writes respective color-separated image data on a photosensitive drum to form a latent image by using both a forward direction scanning and a backward direction scanning. A writing control unit outputs input pixel data to the exposing unit a plurality of times for enlarging and printing an input image. The writing control unit includes an output unit that outputs a main-scanning effective gate signal of dot period lengths of common multiples of all available enlargement ratios; and a suppressing unit that suppresses an output of a pixel signal to an outside of a printing range.

Abstract: In this light beam synchronization detector, an enable circuit 34 outputs a first control signal Se1 to an output circuit 35 when at least one of the absolute values of a voltage signal V1 from a first amplifier 31 and a voltage signal V2 from a second amplifier 32 exceeds the absolute value of a threshold voltage ?Vth, thereby putting the output circuit 35 into an operative state. The enable circuit 34 outputs a second control signal Se2 to the output circuit 35 when both the absolute values of the first output voltage V1 and the second output voltage V2 are equal to or lower than the absolute value of the threshold voltage ?Vth, thereby putting the output circuit 35 into an inoperative state. This light beam synchronization detector can prevent the occurrence of an error in the detection timing of a light beam due to a change in the quantity of light of the light beam and preventing the occurrence of erroneous detection due to reflected light.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus comprises: a first photosensitive drum; a second photosensitive drum; deflective scanning means for deflecting a laser beam and scanning by rotation; first laser irradiation means including a plurality of light emitting sources of laser beam for irradiating the first photosensitive drum, to irradiate the deflective scanning means with the laser; second laser irradiation means including a plurality of light emitting sources of laser for irradiating the second photosensitive drum, to irradiate the deflective scanning means with the laser beams; supporting means for supporting the first laser irradiation means and the second laser irradiation means; and a rotation supporting member for rotationally moving the first laser irradiation means, the second laser irradiation means and the supporting means integrally with respect to an axis generally parallel to the emanating axis of the laser beam to be emitted from the first laser irradiation means.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a light source, a deflector, beam detectors, a clock generator, a measurement mechanism, a frequency corrector, and a phase corrector. The light source illuminates in response to image data. The deflector deflects an optical beam into a scanning beam. The beam detectors including first and second beam detectors detect the scanning beam. The clock generator generates writing clock signals. The measurement mechanism measures a count number of the writing clock signals generated during a period between the scanning beam is detected by the first and second beam detectors. The frequency corrector corrects a frequency of the writing clock signals such that the count number measured becomes substantially equivalent to a predetermined number. The phase corrector varies a phase of the writing clock signals such that the count number is substantially constant before and after the phase of the writing clock signals is varied.

Abstract: Outgoing video communication requests are intercepted and screened by one or more unauthorized recipient lists, authorized recipient lists, caller-specific authorized/unauthorized recipient lists, and/or various combinations of these. The video communication requests may be blocked or forwarded to the recipient depending on whether the recipient is included or not included in one of the various lists.

Abstract: Multiple video picture frames are combined into a spatial multiplex video picture frame that may be fully decoded and displayed. The video display of the spatial multiplex video picture frame is a composite combination of all of the video picture frames that have been combined, and may have an appearance such as a mosaic. Multiplexing the video picture frames involves removing picture headers, creating a picture header for the spatial multiplex video picture frame, and altering the headers of individual components of each video picture frame. The new header for the spatial multiplex video picture frame indicates a slice format frame, and headers of the individual components are altered to provide a slice format based picture position for each video picture frame. The headers of the individual components are altered to become slice based, such as in accordance with the ITU-T H.263 video standard, prior to establishing the slice based picture position if the frames are not already of the slice format.

Abstract: A visual control system controls a controlled component. In one embodiment, the visual control system controls the controlled component based on a visual location of a user. In another embodiment, input from a visual perception device is used to provide focus control for an audio input device. In additional embodiments, the visual control system stops, starts or suppresses speech recognition or other audio functions when the direction of the sound detected by the audio input device is not coming from the user's visual location.

Abstract: An endoscope device including an insertion part including an observation optical system and a measuring optical system, wherein the endoscope device is provided with a characteristic value comparing circuit 85 which compares previous characteristic values and current characteristic value to identify previous characteristic values corresponding to the current characteristic values, corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the characteristic value comparing circuit 85, are stored in a storage circuit C2 together with various information. According to the invention, for inspection turbine blades of jet engines, automation (labor-saving) of the inspection process by reducing the number of the inspection steps is realized and the difficulty in the inspection of analysis areas is eliminated.

Abstract: A network system is structured by connecting on a network a plurality of storage devices and a DSC, and directly copies image data picked-up by the DSC. The storage device includes in front thereof LEDs for displaying that the operation is OK including a Power LED and a Ready LED, LEDs for displaying the operating situations including a Busy LED and an Error LED, and an LED dedicated for displaying whether or not a functional switch of the DSC selects an operating target.

Abstract: A camera module for a compact printer system. The camera module includes a CMOS image sensor that captures an RGB image when a take button is actuated. The RGB image is transformed to a suitable format, such as L*a*b*, for transfer directly to a printer module. The camera module incorporates a camera portion pivotally connected to a base portion, where by the camera portion is pivotal between a first position where it is aligned with on a common axis on the base portion and a second position where there is no alignment. The base portion has a connector that connects directly to a corresponding connector on the printer module, providing both a physical connection and a logical connection. The logical connection is a serial bus that communicates power and data. The camera module may include a self-timer. It may also connect to and control a flash module.

Abstract: A correction variable is calculated based on vibration data of an image sensing apparatus. Based on the calculation result, timing of reading image signals from an image sensing device is controlled. The read image signals are delayed by predetermined time, the read image signals and the delayed image signals are added at a predetermined addition ratio based on the calculation result of the correction variable calculator. In still image sensing, the above addition operation is not performed.

Abstract: Shakiness of a panoramic video can be reduced by an image processing method comprising: setting a common coordinate system which can be transformed from individual coordinate systems of a plurality of image sensing devices; estimating postures of at least one of the plurality of image sensing devices; calculating an estimated posture of the common coordinate system using at least one of the estimated posture of the plurality of image sensing devices; calculating a correction transform for reducing a shakiness of the common coordinate system using the estimated posture of the common coordinate system; calculating a correction transform for reducing a shakiness of each of the plurality of image sensing devices using the correction transform; applying the corresponding correction transform to a sensed image which is sensed by each of the plurality of image sensing devices; and composing a panoramic image by joining a plurality of transformed sensed images.

Abstract: An imaging processing apparatus for effecting imaging processing on imaging signals inputted from an imaging device having a plurality of pixels arranged on a plane and having color filters attached on an imaging surface, the imaging processing apparatus having: a region determining unit, a first retaining unit, a second retaining unit, a switching unit, and an accumulation unit.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus capable of performing bracketing image sensing operations for a plurality of different types of parameters is provided. The image sensing apparatus comprises a selection unit adapted to select a parameter for performing a bracketing image sensing operation, and a controller adapted to prohibit a bracketing image sensing operation for other types of parameters in a case where the parameter for performing the bracketing image sensing operation is selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: The electronic still camera includes an internal memory, a calculating part, a storage medium, and a display part. With a storing rate of the storage medium equal to or higher than an internal processing rate of the camera, the calculating part calculates a storable continuous frame count according to a residual storage capacity and an image data amount of the storage medium. With the storing rate lower than the internal processing rate, it calculates the same according to a storage capacity of the internal memory, the image data amount, a continuous shooting rate of frames, the internal processing rate, and the storing rate, and calculates the continuous shooting rate of frames of when an actual continuous frame count exceeds the storable continuous frame count according to the storing rate and image data amount. The display part displays the storable continuous frame count and continuous shooting rate of frames.

Abstract: A workload on a user for selecting and arranging images used for album generation is reduced. Images necessary for generating an album are photographed and image data sets representing the images and accompanying information thereof are recorded in a recording medium. Data reading means reads the image data sets and the accompanying information. A template to be used for album generation is also read from template storing means. The images can be inserted in image insertion areas of the template in photographing order. With reference to the accompanying information, the images are inserted in the image insertion areas in photographing order and composite image data are generated. A printer prints the composite image data as the album.

Abstract: By rotating a second camera (4) by a hinge (5) by 180 degrees so as to obtain an opening state, the second camera 4 faces a surface side. As a result, a first camera (3) and the second camera (4) are aligned horizontally, and use the same direction as a photographing range. When the second camera (4) is rotated, a system controller determines that a state is in a stereoscopic vision photographing mode. When a camera shutter is operated by a user, both the first camera (3) and the second camera (4) are allowed to perform a photographing process, and obtained two image data are stored in a memory after being attached to information indicating that the image is for the right eye and the image is for the left eye, and etc. Then, the two image data are transmitted by an e-mail function to a terminal of a communicating partner.

Abstract: A method for conveniently applying various effects to a captured digital image is disclosed. A digital camera to carry out the method includes a reader to image manipulation instructions printed on a card and an image printer for printing manipulated images. The method involves reading the image manipulation instructions from the card and manipulating a pre-captured image on the basis of the instructions. Complex manipulations can be readily carried out by inserting a sequence of the cards in a particular order to apply a desired effect to the captured image. Once the desired image manipulations have been applied the manipulated image is printed out.

Abstract: A camera device and method for performing a shooting operation by converting image light into an electrical signal. The location of a dark distribution is determined, and a dark distribution histogram ratio is calculated. The location of a bright distribution is determined, and a high-brightness slice set value is set. A determination is made as to whether or not a subject is in a backlighted state based on whether a dark_ratio falls within a predetermined range. When the subject is not in a backlighted state, the previously-set high-brightness slice set value is used unchanged. On the other hand, when the subject is in a backlighted state, the dark_ratio is normalized, so that, for example, backlight correction is carried out so that a high-brightness component limiter value of an integration signal of a peak-value-detected output is decreased.

Abstract: Pixel rows of an image sensor are respectively provided with a vertical transfer path. A charge detecting amplifier is disposed at one end of each of the vertical transfer paths. When a through image is outputted and when a moving-image mode is executed, a horizontal scanning circuit sequentially selects the charge detecting amplifiers on the basis of a thinning pattern, which is determined every imaging sensitivity, to output an image signal in which the pixel rows are thinned. As the thinning pattern, there are an odd-row pattern for selecting only the odd pixel rows from among the whole pixel rows, and an even-row pattern for selecting only the even pixel rows therefrom. The thinning pattern is selected in accordance with the imaging sensitivity so as to minimize line-shaped defects caused by the vertical transfer paths.

Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.

Abstract: A solid state imager converts analog pixel values to digital form on an arrayed per-column basis. An N-bit counter supplies an N-bit DAC to produce an analog ramp output with a level that varies corresponding to the contents of the counter. A ripple counter or equivalent is associated with each respective column. A clock supplies clock signals to the counter elements. A comparator in each column gates the counter element when the analog ramp equals the pixel value for that column. The contents of the counters are transferred sequentially to a video output bus to produce the digital video signal. Additional black-level readout counter elements can create and store a digital value that corresponds to a dark or black video level. A subtraction element subtracts the black level value from the pixel value to reduce fixed pattern noise. An additional array of buffer counter/latches can be employed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image sensor for removing a horizontal noise. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels located at every row or column; an analog bus located at every row or column, for transferring output signals of the pixel array; and a readout circuit for reading the output signals of the pixel array loaded on the analog bus, wherein the readout circuit includes: a plurality of first transistors having a drain connected to the column analog bus and a source connected to a supply voltage; and a second transistor having a drain connected to a gate of the second transistor and gates of the first transistors, and a source connected to the supply voltage, wherein, a size of the second transistor is larger than a size of the first transistor.

Abstract: A horizontal register transfer pulse generator includes: phase adjuster generating an output signal, from reference signal; and horizontal blanking period generator based on output signal, reference signal, and horizontal blanking pulse, wherein horizontal blanking period generator includes: delay masking pulse generator generating delay masking pulse delayed by predetermined phase relative to masking pulse generated on horizontal blanking pulse inputted into horizontal blanking period generator; and determination means determining phase difference between output signal and reference signal, when phase difference between output signal and reference signal is less than predetermined phase, horizontal blanking period generator combines masking pulse with output signal to generate horizontal register transfer pulse with horizontal blanking period, and when phase difference between output signal and reference signal is equal to or greater than predetermined phase, horizontal blanking period generator combines del

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided which enables a user to follow up an object while viewing a display screen, and can prevent an image shake from being reflected on the display screen. An image pickup device outputs a signal in response to light received from an object via a lens section unit. A drive ring is rotated by the driving force of the AF motor to enable the lens section unit to move in a direction along the optical axis, to thereby carry out focus adjustment based on the signal output from the pickup device. A LCD displays an image based on the signal output from the image pickup device. The LCD displays the image according to through display when the lens section unit is being moved in a direction of extension, and the through display by the LCD is restrained after the lens section unit is reversed and is moved in a direction of retraction and until it is stopped.

Abstract: A personal computer loads image data with tag information, which includes position coordinates of an image capture position and a camera azimuth, from an electronic camera. A thumbnail image, which is a reduced image of the loaded image, is rotated in a camera azimuth direction and composited to a position, which corresponds to the position coordinates, on an electronic map. A composite electronic map, which is composited with the thumbnail image, is displayed in a monitor of the personal computer.

Abstract: A camera provides an autofocus function by capturing a series of images when a lens is at different positions, analyzing the images to identify a best-focused image, and outputting the best-focused image. Unselected images can be discarded. The camera can include a FIFO buffer that receives image data from an image sensor as the image sensor captures images. When a photographer activates a shutter button, an analysis system, which may be implemented in software, analyzes the images in the FIFO buffer and selects the best-focused image for output. In alternative embodiments, the movement of the lens and the capture of the images can be before or in response to activation of the shutter button.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for computing focus information prior to scanning microscope slides with a line scan camera. The methods include a point-focus procedure that works by moving the slide to the desired measurement location, moving the objective lens through a predefined set of height values, acquiring imagery data at each height, and determining the height of maximum contrast. The methods also include a ribbon-focus procedure whereby imagery data are acquired continuously, while the slide and objective lens are in motion. Both methods may be applied with either a static or a dynamic implementation.

Abstract: Power consumption can be reduced, and an operating time can be extended in an operation mode having lower fluctuation in power consumption in equipment having a plurality of operation modes of different power consumption. In the digital camera which also functions as an audio recorder and an audio player, it is determined whether the operation mode of the digital camera is an audio recording mode or an audio reproducing mode, or it is any other mode (shooting mode, etc.). In the audio recording mode or the audio reproducing mode, an output voltage from a power supply circuit is reduced to be lower than in the shooting mode, etc., and the threshold as a battery operation termination voltage in a battery checking process is lowered. Thus, the power consumption is reduced when the digital camera is operated as the audio recorder or the audio player, and operating time can be extended.

Abstract: This invention relates to a camera head enclosure apparatus configured to allow the interchangeability of photo-electric pixel arrays for use in various applications. A personality plate specifically configured to receive and secure a photo-electric pixel array of a particular configuration provided on a chip is disclosed. The invention allows a user to interchange photo-electric pixel arrays, and their respective personality plates, while using the same camera head enclosure, thus enabling the camera head enclosure to be adapted to an entirely different photo-electric pixel array and eliminating the need to custom make camera head enclosures for each application. One embodiment of the camera head enclosure apparatus disclosed further includes a plurality of carriers configured to hold a respective plurality of circuit boards associated with the particular photo-electric pixel array selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for converting an interlaced video signal to a progressive scan signal. For each pixel in each missing line of a video field providing correlation data for each of set of possible interpolations between adjacent pixels to the pixel to be reconstructed. A confidence measure is then derived from the correlation data and from that confidence measure the interpolation scheme most likely to produce an accurate missing pixel is determined. The missing pixel is then interpolated using the selected interpolation scheme. In this process, the step of deriving a confidence measure comprises determining the number of maxima and minima in the correlation data and deriving the confidence measure in dependence on the number of maxima and minima so determined.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus comprises: an audio signal detection circuit which detects a specific audio signal from a broadcasting program including an image signal and an audio signal; a control unit which controls an image processing processor, wherein the audio signal detection circuit generates a control signal for controlling the control unit when the audio signal detection circuit detects the specific audio signal, and the control unit controls the image processing processor according to the control signal so as to display a specific image and/or text by synthesizing the specific image and/or text corresponding to the specific audio signal and an image of the broadcasting program displayed according to the image signal.

Abstract: A system for the automatic collection of closed caption text wherein broadcast source of closed caption text are received by a tuner, then decoded and a text handler writes text files. A remote inquiry client is operably connected to the tuner and a server, to push the text files from the inquiry client to the server. A previously submitted search profile originated by the inquiry client is automatically compared with the text files and parsed to create a inquiry client search result, and the useful inquiry client is then automatically contacted regarding the search result.

Abstract: A television broadcast receiving apparatus which displays one of television programs received by two tuners on a main picture screen and displays the other on a child picture screen, where one of audios of a program of the main picture screen and a program of the child picture screen is selected and outputted, and the state of an audio signal to be outputted is switched according to the audio state of the program of the child picture screen.

Abstract: Video picture signals are received via at least three channels. At least three control instructing operators are provided in correspondence with the channels. Each control instructing operator is operable to give a signal control instruction for the corresponding channel in accordance with an operated amount of the operator. Controller performs signal control on the video picture signals of the channels on the basis of the respective signal control instructions given via the control instructing operators. Synthesizer synthesizes the video picture signals of the channels having been subjected to the signal control by the controller. Video picture signals of two desired channels are designated, and a contact-type operator gives signal control instructions, corresponding to a predetermined position of the operator contacted by a human operator, with respect to the video picture signals of the designated two channels.

Abstract: A field delay circuit aligns the phases of two field signals. An average value calculation circuit generates an average value signal of the two field signals. This average value signal can be regarded as a signal that has undergone a one-dimensional low-pass filter process in the row direction in which the number of taps for a progressive signal is 2 and the filter coefficient for each tap is 0.5 and that has then been thinned to one-half the data. A two-dimensional LPF circuit subjects this average value signal to a low-pass filter process and eliminates the high-frequency components (edge components). A subtraction circuit subtracts the average value signal that has undergone the LPF process from each field signal and thus extracts the edge components of each field signal. An amplification circuit multiplies the edge components of each field signal by a prescribed factor. An addition circuit adds the resulting amplified edge components to each field signal.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a mode of an audio signal is disclosed. The system includes an integrated circuit with an input to receive a signal and an audio processor coupled to the input. The audio processor includes an audio standard detection module, wherein the audio standard detection module detects a characteristic of the received signal that identifies a television audio standard by measuring the energy level of a plurality of different frequency bands of the received signal.

Abstract: Described are tilted compensators for compensating for in-plate and out-of-plane retardances of LC panels in their dark states, including a single tilted biaxial retarder or compound retarder comprising more than one biaxial film, which are effective to compensate both for nonideal polarization effects of LC panels and other optical components in optical projection systems. Also described are tilted compensators for deflecting away from a projection system optical path unwanted reflected light.

Abstract: A display device with directional backlight produces stereoscopic images by emitting light in two angular cones. Light is alternatively sent to the left and to the right eye of the observer synchronously with switching between images for the left and the right eye on a fast switching LCD. Alternatively, images may be produced for two or more observers and directed towards different directions. The display device includes a display panel, a light redirection element for directing light through the display panel, and a light guide for directing light towards the light redirection element. Two light sources are coupled to the light guide so as to couple light into the light guide in two directions. The light redirection element has a first groove structure and the light guide has a second groove structure so that light from the light sources are directed through the display panel with two angular distributions.

Abstract: A multiple-view directional display is provided having an image display element and a parallax optic (13). The display element (8) comprises substrates (6, 19) between which the display layer (8) is sandwiched and the parallax optic (13) is disposed within the image display element.

Abstract: A TFT substrate having a storage capacitor with an increased capacitance and aperture ratio, and a simplified method of fabricating the same, includes gate and data lines crossing each other to define pixel areas; a gate insulating film between the gate and data lines; TFTs connected to the gate and data lines; a semiconductor pattern defining a channel of the TFTs and overlapped by the data lines; a passivation film covering the data lines and the TFTs; and at least one pixel electrode connected to a TFT and provided within a pixel hole that is arranged within a pixel area. The pixel hole is formed through the passivation film and partially through the gate insulating film. Further, a storage capacitor includes a portion of the pixel electrode that overlaps with an underlying gate line with a portion of the gate insulating film that defines the pixel hole.

Abstract: In a provided LCD device, a common electrode and a picture element electrode which make up the main portion of a unit picture element of the LCD device are both made up of one thin conductive layer made of a Cr layer, while a common electrode wiring line and a data line or a like which are connected to the common electrode and the picture element electrode respectively are each formed as a stacked film made up of a first conductive film (thick Cr layer) and a second conductive film (thin Cr layer). This configuration enables increasing the film thickness of wiring lines such as, especially, the common electrode wiring line and the data line or the like, thus decreasing a wiring line resistance thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same, by which cooling performance is prevented from being lowered in a manner of arranging inverter elements in a horizontal direction. The present invention includes a lamp unit comprising a plurality of light-emitting lamps wherein electrodes are provided to both ends of each of the light-emitting lamps and an inverter provided to a rear side of the lamp unit in a horizontal direction to apply power to a plurality of the light-emitting lamps. And, the inverter includes at least one inverter printed circuit board arranged on a lower part of the rear side of the lamp unit in the horizontal direction and a plurality of transformers and inverter elements arranged on the at least one inverter printed circuit board in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: An LCD shield cover is provided that can prevent occurrence of defective circuits improve workability in testing and repair, and permit an easy use of a module connector of a PCB. The shield cover for an LCD having a PCB fitted to a rear surface of a display module a shield cover on a top surface of the PCB for shielding the PCB, a module connector connected to a board connector of the system, and a variable resistor VR for optimizing flickering by adjusting a common voltage Vcom, includes a structure in the shield cover at a position over the variable resistor, for adjusting the common voltage and a slit over the modular connector for inserting a board connector.

Abstract: An LCD comprises an LCD panel on which an image is formed, a light guiding plate disposed behind the LCD panel, an LED unit disposed along at least one side of the light guiding plate and providing light to the LCD panel, a bottom chassis accommodating the light guiding plate and the LED unit, and a heat conduction member disposed across an external surface of the bottom chassis from an area facing the LED unit to an area apart from the LED unit and having a higher thermal conductivity than the bottom chassis.

Abstract: A liquid crystal panel 30 has its corners sandwiched between first and second spacers 70 and 80 forward and backward, and the first and second spacers 70 and 80 are fixed to a front cabinet 20. Thus, the front cabinet 20 can be used as a general-purpose member. That is, if the first spacer 70 or the second spacer 80 is designed to fit to the shape of the liquid crystal panel 30, the front cabinet 20 does not need to be modified every time the shape of the liquid crystal panel 30 is modified. Since the corners of the liquid crystal panel 30 are sandwiched on a flat part 71a1, even if the size of the liquid crystal panel 30 is changed, the first spacer 70 can cause the flat part 71a1 to be brought into contact with the corners of the liquid crystal panel 30.

Abstract: A direct type backlight module comprises a back bezel, a light source, a circuit board, and a heat-insulating element. The light source comprising a plurality of driving elements coupled thereto is disposed within the back bezel. The circuit board is disposed outside the back bezel. The heat-insulating element is disposed between the back bezel and the circuit board so as to form a first convectional space and a second convectional space.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided, which includes: a middle frame having a frame section formed in the shape of a frame with four side sections; a front panel joined with the middle frame to seal one opening of the middle frame; a rear panel joined with the middle frame to seal another opening of the middle frame; a liquid crystal panel placed within an outer casing configured by the middle frame, the front panel and the rear panel; a back light panel placed within the outer casing, irradiating light towards the liquid crystal panel; and a holding plate placed within the outer casing on a side opposite the liquid crystal panel with the back light panel in-between, pressing the back light panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical compensator element, which can realize switching between a wide angle of visibility and a narrow angle of visibility through a simple operation, and a liquid crystal display using the same. An optical compensation layer 4B? comprising, for example, a liquid crystal material having positive dielectric anisotropy sealed between two substrates comprising a transparent electrode and an aligning film stacked on top of each other is provided. An optical compensation layer 4A as a negative C plate and the optical compensation layer 4B? are stacked in that order on a homeotropically aligned liquid crystal cell 2A to constitute a liquid crystal display 1. Upon the application of voltage to the optical compensation layer 4B?, a narrow angle of visibility is provided, while, when no voltage is applied, a wide angle of visibility is provided.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes the steps of forming an organic material film having projections and depressions, using a photo-embossing material, on an insulating film on an underlying electrode in a thin-film transistor of an active-matrix liquid crystal display device; exposing the insulating film in a contact-hole-forming-area by reducing a thickness of the organic material film by a dry etching to said organic material film; forming a contact hole and exposing the underlying by a dry etching to the exposed insulating film; and contacting the exposed underlying electrode with a reflective electrode by forming the reflective electrode on the resulting structure.