Interconnection Of Plural Cells In Series Patents (Class 349/74)
  • Patent number: 7850801
    Abstract: A defect detection method of a layered film having a polarizing plate and an optical compensation layer includes steps of: applying light from a light source arranged at the polarizing plate layer side of the film surface of the layered film; a step of imaging a transmitting light image of the layered film by an imaging unit arranged at the optical compensation layer side of the film surface; and a defect detection step for detecting a defect existing on the layered film according to the transmitting light image captured by the imaging unit. The imaging unit performs imaging via an inspection polarizing filter arranged on the optical path between the light source and the imaging unit and adjacent to the imaging unit; and an inspection phase difference filter arranged on the optical path between the light source and the imaging unit and between the inspection polarizing filter and the layered film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Takamasa Kobayashi, Michihiro Hagiwara, Yuuki Yano, Kouji Shizen
  • Patent number: 7847895
    Abstract: An exemplary transflective liquid crystal display device (2) has a liquid crystal panel (20), and a backlight module (29) adjacent to the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first color filter substrate (210), a thin film transistor substrate (220), a second color filter substrate (230), a first liquid crystal layer (240) being provided between the first color filter substrate and the TFT substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer (250) being provided between the second color filter substrate and the TFT substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: Xin-Sheng Chen, Guo-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 7847884
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of an optical film is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided first and a surface of the substrate is aligned or an alignment layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a defined pattern layer is formed on the aligned surface of the substrate or on a surface of the alignment layer at a first temperature. A first liquid crystal layer is then coated on the aligned surface of the substrate or the surface of the alignment layer to cover the defined pattern layer. Then, a first curing step is performed at a second temperature to enable the defined pattern layer and the first liquid crystal layer to form the optical film. A portion of the optical film having the defined pattern layer is characterized by a different liquid crystal alignment property from the other portion of the optical film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Taiwan TFT LCD Association, Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd., Au Optronics Corporation, Hannstar Display Corporation, Chi Mei Optoeletronics Corporation, Industrial Technology Research Institute, TPO Dispalys Corp.
    Inventor: Yue-Shih Jeng
  • Patent number: 7843544
    Abstract: A 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional image display device and a method of manufacturing the same is described. The display device includes an image display panel for displaying an image, and a switching panel having upper and lower substrates with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. A pixel electrode, and first and second common electrodes, are formed on the lower substrate of the switching panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: LG. Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoon Kang
  • Patent number: 7830475
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device including two liquid crystal display panels located back to back is made thinner. A liquid crystal display device includes first and second liquid crystal display panels located back to back. The liquid crystal display device further includes a light source provided to a side of a rear substrate of the first liquid crystal display panel, a light source provided to a side of a rear substrate of the second liquid crystal display panel, and a polarizing element provided between the first and second liquid crystal display panels. The rear substrate of the first liquid crystal display panel includes a light guide layer for directing light, incident on the rear substrate from the light source and propagating inside the rear substrate, toward the second liquid crystal display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Misono, Mitsuhiro Murata, Yukio Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7821611
    Abstract: A display device is provided with a light source, an light-guide plate, a prism sheet, a transparent/scattering state switching element, and a transmissive liquid crystal display panel. In the transparent/scattering state switching element, two transparent substrates are provided parallel to and separated from each other, and an electrode is provided to the surface of each transparent substrate. A scattering seal member is also provided between external peripheral portions of the transparent substrates, and a PDLC layer is enclosed in a space sealed by the scattering seal member between the transparent substrates. The scattering seal member is endowed with scattering properties whereby incident light is transmitted in a scattered state, and the degree of scattering thereof is equal to the degree of scattering of the PDLC layer during the scattering state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Uehara, Shinya Niioka, Masao Imai, Fujio Okumura
  • Publication number: 20100259708
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal display device including: a liquid crystal cell (15) including a first substrate (110), a second substrate (111), and a liquid crystal layer (160) sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first polarization member (210) for transmitting light in a predetermined polarization direction; and a second polarization member (220) for transmitting light in another polarization direction which is orthogonal to the predetermined polarization direction. At least one of the first polarization member and the second polarization member includes a multilayer thin film polarizer including a plurality of thin film polarizers which are stacked so that transmission axes of the plurality of thin film polarizers are aligned. The multilayer thin film polarizer includes a thin film polarizer formed in a predetermined film thickness by coating with dye molecules which are aligned by a shear stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Takato HIRATSUKA, Masaya Adachi, Miharu Otani, Jun Tanaka, Chie Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 7804555
    Abstract: An LCD includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel, a front light unit placed in front of the transmissive liquid crystal panel and providing light for image display, and a light control unit placed at the rear of the transmissive liquid crystal panel and reflecting or transmitting incident light. A mobile station includes: an LCD having a transmissive liquid crystal panel, a front light unit placed in front of the transmissive liquid crystal panel and providing light for image display and a light control unit placed at the rear of the transmissive liquid crystal panel and reflecting or transmitting incident light, a communication unit for communicating with an exterior, and a control unit controlling the communication unit and the image display of the LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Kim, Hyun Ha Hwang
  • Patent number: 7800713
    Abstract: Two liquid crystal panels are laid one over the other in a state that each of the liquid crystal panels is oriented in a forward direction. At least one spacer is detachably provided between the two liquid crystal panels. The liquid crystal panels are positioned relative to each other by a plurality of through-holes arrayed in a thickness direction of the spacer by an interval corresponding to the thickness of the spacer, and a projection engageable in one of the through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Fujita, Shigeru Yoshida, Tomoyuki Ono, Yutaka Sakaida
  • Patent number: 7800714
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first liquid crystal panel and a second liquid crystal panel stacked on each other; and polarizers provided to the panels, together with a polarizer of an adjacent panel, arranged to define a crossed Nicols. When the first liquid crystal panel produces a display from a first display signal, the second liquid crystal panel produces a display from a second display signal obtained from the first display signal. Between a framework and drivers provided to the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel, heat conducting members are arranged to transfer heat from the drivers to the framework so as to improve luminance when two liquid crystal panels are stacked and achieve high display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Takata
  • Publication number: 20100231817
    Abstract: An optical modulator 100 includes an input unit 110, a splitter unit 120, a first waveguide 131, a second waveguide 132, a directional coupler unit 140, a first output unit 151, a second output unit 152, a first liquid-crystal cell 161, and a second liquid-crystal cell 162. The splitter unit 120, the first waveguide 131, the second waveguide 132, and the directional coupler unit 140 form an optical interferometer that branches an input light and causes the branched lights to interfere. The first liquid-crystal cell 161 and the second liquid-crystal cell 162 transmit the lights branched in the optical interferometer and delay the lights according to applied signals, respectively. The second liquid-crystal cell 162 is thinner than the first liquid-crystal cell 161.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masafumi IDE, Takaaki Takeishi
  • Patent number: 7796215
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes first and second liquid crystal display panels located back to back. The liquid crystal display device further includes a light source provided to a side of a rear substrate of the first liquid crystal display panel, a light source provided to a side of a rear substrate of the second liquid crystal display panel, and a polarizing element provided between the first and second liquid crystal display panels. The rear substrate of the first liquid crystal display panel includes a light guide layer for directing light, incident on the rear substrate from the light source and propagating inside the rear substrate, toward the second liquid crystal display panel. The rear substrate of the second liquid crystal display panel includes a light guide layer for directing light toward the first liquid crystal display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Misono, Mitsuhiro Murata, Yukio Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7791691
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reflective type liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof, by which resolution is enhanced in a manner of representing two colors from one sub-pixel. The present invention includes a first substrate having a plurality of thin film transistors and a plurality of pixel electrodes within a plurality of sub-pixels defined by a plurality of gate and data lines perpendicularly crossing with each other, respectively, a second substrate assembled to the first substrate to confront, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, a third substrate assembled to the first substrate to confront, a plurality of reflective electrodes on an inside of the third substrate to correspond to a plurality of the sub-pixels, respectively, and a color filter layer having a plurality of electrophoretic bodies on a plurality of the reflective electrodes wherein each of the electrophoretic bodies is micro-encapsulated with ionic pigment particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Hwae Lee, Jae Hong Hur
  • Patent number: 7791686
    Abstract: A display apparatus having a pair of polarizers with an optical rotator therebetween, one of the polarizers being a variable polarizer which is independently operated to alternate between substantially orthogonal states of polarization and cause the display to rapidly alternate between a normal positive and inverted negative image, creating a combined neutral image that in indecipherable to the naked eye. Shutter eyewear synchronized with the variable polarizer is used to extract the positive image for viewing by an intended viewer. In another embodiment, both polarizers of the display apparatus are independently variable, which allows for viewing of the desired image using passive polarized eyewear or eyewear incorporating synchronized variable polarizing rotators. Faster independent operation of the variable polarizers provide for flicker-free viewing of the desired image and convenient switching between normal and secure modes of operation, without physical alteration of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: WaterStrike Incorporated
    Inventor: David A Struyk
  • Patent number: 7768605
    Abstract: A display stack-up (300) is provided for a mobile electronic device (100) having an internal and external display, for example, a clamshell style mobile phone. The display stack-up comprises a backlight unit (114) and an external display device (110) having bi-stable optical states. The external display device (110) is placed in contact with, and is optically coupled to, the backlight unit (114). The display stack-up further comprises an internal display device (106) which is placed in contact with, and is optically coupled to, the external display device (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Polak
  • Publication number: 20100182543
    Abstract: A liquid crystalline composition, having a liquid crystalline dichroic azo dye that is represented by formula (I) and has an expression temperature of the nematic phase of 150° C. to 300° C. in a temperature elevating process, and at least one liquid crystalline dichroic azo dye, wherein an expression temperature of the nematic phase of the liquid crystalline composition is 120° C. or higher in a temperature elevating process: wherein Ar1 and Ar3 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic hydrocarbon ring group or aromatic heterocyclic group; Ar2 is a divalent substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a divalent substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group; n represents an integer of 1 or more; and when n is an integer of 2 or more, Ar2s may be the same as or different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoji GOTO, Shinichi Morishima, Eri Utagawa
  • Patent number: 7760296
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: TPO Hong Kong Holding Limited
    Inventors: Nicole Alide Christianne Maria Gotink-Meinders, Rudolf Jozef Marie Beeren
  • Patent number: 7742124
    Abstract: The present invention (1) includes a multi-focal plane display with two or more at least partially overlapping screens (2, 3) with a first order optical retarder (5) interposed therebetween. The invention removes the undersirable presence of colored interference fringes while also providing a means of addressing the polarization incompatibility between adjacent LCD display screens (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: PureDepth Limited
    Inventor: Gareth Paul Bell
  • Publication number: 20100149444
    Abstract: A beam shaping device (1; 31) comprising first (3; 33) and second (4; 37) optically transparent substrates, a liquid crystal layer (2; 36) sandwiched there between, and first (5; 34) and second (6; 35) electrodes arranged on a side of the liquid crystal layer (2; 36) facing the first substrate (3; 34). The beam shaping device (1; 31) is controllable between beam-shaping states, each permitting passage of light through the beam-shaping device in a direction perpendicular thereto. The beam shaping device (1; 31) is configured in such a way that application of a voltage (V) across the first (5; 34) and second (6; 35) electrodes results in an electric field having a portion essentially parallel to the liquid crystal layer (2; 36) in a segment thereof between neighboring portions of the electrodes (5, 6; 34; 35) and extending substantially from the first substrate (3; 34) to the second (4; 35) substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Ties Van Bommel, Thomas Caspar Kraan, Leon Hendrikus Christiaan Kusters, Siebe Tjek De Zwart, Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen, Marcellinus Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn
  • Publication number: 20100149459
    Abstract: A view angle control element capable of limiting a view angle without degrading image quality (front quality) when seen from a front side and a display device provided with the view angle control element are provided. A liquid crystal display device (1) includes a liquid crystal panel (10), and a view angle control film (20) that controls a view angle of the liquid crystal panel (10). The view angle control film (20) is a laminated film including at least a liquid crystal film (21) and a linearly polarizing plate (22). In the liquid crystal film (21), liquid crystal molecules are solidified while being aligned with major axes tilted in a predetermined azimuth angle direction from a normal direction of a film surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Koji Yabuta, Tomoo Takatani, Hiroshi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7733557
    Abstract: A holographic data storage system that includes a write head that includes a pixellated spatial light modulator and a separate or integral phase mask that varies the phase depending on the location in the phase mask that light passes through. The phase variation can be changed over time in a random, pseudo-random, or predetermined fashion. The spatial light modulator and phase mask can be implemented in a liquid crystal SLM (nematic, ferroelectric, or other), in a DMD SLM, in a magneto-optical SLM, or in any other suitable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Handschy, Michael J. O'Callaghan
  • Publication number: 20100128200
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (10) of the present invention includes a backlight (3), a display liquid crystal panel (1) and a viewing angle control panel (2) for switching a viewing angle of the display liquid crystal panel (1) between a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode. The viewing angle control panel (2) includes a control panel upper polarizing plate (22), a liquid crystal cell (21) and a control panel lower polarizing plate (23) stacked in this order, and phase difference plates (24, 25) are provided between the polarizing plates (22, 23) and the liquid crystal cell (21), respectively. The viewing angle control panel (2) is arranged such that Re1 in a white display portion in the wide viewing angle mode is n?/2 (n is an integer of 1 or more), Re2 in a white display portion in the narrow viewing angle mode is n?/2 (n is an integer of 1 or more), and Re3 in a black display portion in the narrow viewing angle mode is n? (n is an integer of 1 or more).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Morishita, Tsuyoshi Okazaki, Takehiko Sakai, Yoshiharu Kataoka, Chikanori Tsukamura, Dai Chiba
  • Publication number: 20100118232
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polymerizable liquid crystal composition which is applicable on a supporting substrate, such as a transparent plastic film for optical use, or glass, etc., and has a homeotropic alignment. Also, disclosed is an optical film obtained by aligning and fixing the polymerizable composition on a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Jaeho Cheong, Minjin Ko, Myungsun Moon, Daeho Kang, Bumgyu Choi, Kiyoul Lee, YunBong Kim
  • Publication number: 20100110336
    Abstract: Optical elements and backlight modules employing the same are provided. The optical element can be a brightness enhancement diffusion complex film, comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal film and a transparent optical film directly disposed on the cholesteric liquid crystal film. Particularly, the whole transparent optical film directly contacts to the cholesteric liquid crystal film, in the absence of an intermediate located between the transparent optical film and the cholesteric liquid crystal film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ying-Jui Lin, Hui-Lung Kuo, Pin-Chen Chen, Pao-Ju Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7705933
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a viewing-angle controlling liquid crystal layer that, when in a horizontal alignment state, exhibits a slow axis that is parallel to a polarized-light transmitting or absorbing axis of a polarizing layer that is disposed opposite to the displaying liquid crystal layer from the viewing-angle controlling liquid crystal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Matsushima
  • Patent number: 7705932
    Abstract: An exemplary double-sided liquid crystal display (LCD) (200) includes a first liquid crystal panel (212), a first optical film assembly (211), a light guide plate (230), a second optical film assembly (211), and a second liquid crystal panel (222) arranged in that order from bottom to top. An area of the second liquid crystal panel is less than an area of the first liquid crystal panel, and an area of the second optical film assembly is less than an area of the first optical film assembly. The second optical film assembly of the double-sided LCD has a size no larger than that needed to perform its function in respect of light beams propagating therethrough from the light guide plate to the second liquid crystal panel. Therefore, the double-sided LCD is cost-efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Gui-Zhen Xiong, Wen-Bin Lin, Ching-Huang Lin
  • Patent number: 7705934
    Abstract: The present invention prevents a displayed three-dimensional stereoscopic image from being darkened in a three-dimensional display device of a DFD type. The present invention provides a three-dimensional display device in which at least one of a plurality of display panels is formed of a display panel having pixels each of which includes color filters having the higher transmissivity than color filters (basic color filters) which express colors of an image or transparent windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nagatoshi Kurahashi, Takayuki Ota, Shimon Itakura, Ryutato Oke
  • Patent number: 7701532
    Abstract: To provide a sight controllable display device that is capable of switching a regular display and a concealed display easily. A display panel and a modulator are disposed between two polarizing plates. The display panel performs a regular display drive. Meanwhile, the modulator drives to operate at a speed faster than twice the speed of the display panel and modulate the display image of the display panel. When displaying an image that is desired to be concealed, the period where the modulator is not in action is selected and viewed by a shutter. By stopping the action of the modulator, the regular display can be viewed as it is without the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Sumiyoshi, Koji Mimura
  • Publication number: 20100090928
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for driving a liquid crystal display device is disclosed which includes: combining liquid crystal panels a and b with one another, each of which displays an image in accordance with a video image source, wherein, when the images respectively displayed on the liquid crystal panels are combined with one another so that a signal image is displayed, the images that are different from each other are switched with one another at a preset interval. As a result, a phosphor burn-in on a display screen is difficult to occur, even when an identical image is displayed continuously for an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Maeda, Naoshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100085513
    Abstract: A viewing angle control panel (2) that includes two substrates (4 and 6) facing each other and liquid crystal layer (5) provided between the substrates and that is usable in combination with a display panel (10) so as to allow a liquid crystal display device (1) to switch a viewing angle characteristic, wherein: one of the substrates (6) includes a counter electrode pattern (62) in which a counter electrode is provided over the one of the two substrates; and the other one of the substrates (4) includes a transparent electrode pattern (49) in which transparent electrodes (49a through 49d) are provided in a striped manner and first and second wire electrodes (e.g., wire electrodes 48a and 48b) that are provided for each space (e.g., a space 51x) between the transparent electrodes in the transparent electrode pattern (49) in such a manner that the first the second wire electrodes, positioned in parallel with the transparent electrodes, respectively, overlap the space 51x.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Dai Chiba, Tsuyoshi Okazaki, Katsuhiko Morishita, Yoshiharu Kataoka, Chikanori Tsukamura, Takehiko Sakai
  • Patent number: 7692736
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device eliminating an uneven display, which is a D-STN type liquid crystal display device having a compensation cell and a liquid crystal cell for display wherein a difference between the average thicknesses of at least two adjacent glass substrates among glass substrates existing in the compensation cell and the liquid crystal cell for display is 4 ?m or more, and preferably not more than 50 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takahashi, Teruo Fujiwara, Megumi Kunimine
  • Patent number: 7679692
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image display device including a light source and a light controller for selectively transmitting or blocking light provided by the light source. The light controller includes a first substrate, and first and second electrodes alternatively formed on the first substrate along a first direction. The first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected, respectively, to first and second connection electrodes. The light controller also includes a second substrate which is substantially parallel to the first substrate, and third and fourth electrodes alternately formed on the second substrate along a second direction. The third and fourth electrodes are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The third and forth electrodes are electrically connected, respectively, to third and fourth connection electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Nam, Jang-Doo Lee, Hyoung-Wook Jang, Myoung-Seop Song, Beom-Shik Kim
  • Publication number: 20100060823
    Abstract: A double-layer liquid crystal lens comprises a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, a third transparent substrate, a first liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and the second transparent substrates, and a second liquid crystal layer interposed between the second and the third transparent substrates. The upper side of the first transparent substrate is provided with a transparent ITO electrode and an alignment film disposed on the transparent electrode. Each of the upper and the lower sides of the second transparent substrate is provided with a alignment film. The upper side of the third transparent substrate is provided with an apertured electrode while the lower side thereof is provided with an alignment film. The first and the third transparent substrates are made of glass while the second transparent substrate is made of plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: United Radiant Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Yuan Ju, Zhi-Long Luo, Chi-Hung Lin, Yu-Te Chen
  • Publication number: 20100060824
    Abstract: A viewing angle controlling liquid crystal panel in which uniformity of a shielding effect in a screen is further improved is provided. Linearly polarized light enters a liquid crystal layer. Further, the liquid crystal layer is provided, on a light exit side of the liquid crystal layer, with a polarizing plate transmitting only a component of light having exited from the liquid crystal layer which component is parallel to a polarization axis of the linearly polarized light having entered the liquid crystal layer. Liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer are tilted in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the polarization axis of the linearly polarized light having entered the liquid crystal layer. In addition, an electrode (26) is provided so that two or more different voltages can be applied to the liquid crystal layer simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Takehiko Sakai, Dai Chiba, Katsuhiko Morishita, Yoshiharu Kataoka, Chikanori Tsukamura
  • Publication number: 20100045900
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a polarizer is provided. The method comprises providing a liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal host and a viscosity enhancer; providing a thin film of said composition on a substrate; orienting said liquid crystal host to obtain an aligned film in a first liquid crystal mesophase, wherein the liquid crystal host is aligned planar to said substrate; gelating said viscosity enhancer to congeal said film; and obtaining a second liquid crystal state in said congealed film. By the use of a viscosity enhancer in the composition, homeotropic alignment of the liquid crystal host can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Emiel Peeters, Dirk Broer
  • Publication number: 20100026930
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) comprises a light source; a light diffractor over the light source configured to diffract light received from the light source; a liquid crystal diffraction grating over the light diffractor and between liquid crystal pixel structures comprising a plurality of liquid crystal pixels; the liquid crystal diffraction grating has a changed diffraction index in response to application of a voltage differential across the diffraction grating, and when having the changed diffraction index aligns diffracted light received from the light diffractor into aligned light directed toward the liquid crystal pixel structure. An LCD may comprise a plurality of liquid crystal pixels each comprising a reflective part and a transmissive part, the reflective part of at least some of the plurality of liquid crystal pixels comprising a retroreflector configured to reflect at least some light rays, received from an external light source, toward the external light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Mary Lou Jepsen
  • Publication number: 20100026934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light uniforming polarization recycling film comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal layer having a first optical surface and a second optical surface; an optical support formed on the first optical -surface; and alight scattering layer formed on the second optical surface. The light scattering layer includes a ¼ wavelength (quarter wave) plate and a microstructure layer having light diffusing characteristics. The light uniforming polarization recycling film according to the present invention can facilitate the elimination of chromaticity difference with respect to different visual angles and enhance the brightness of the polarizing film of recycling light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Eternal Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Ming Sun, Chin-Yi Liao
  • Publication number: 20100014029
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polarizing plate comprising at least a polarizing layer having a K value as defined by the following expression of from 0.25 to 0.75; K=(kx?kz)/(kx?ky) wherein axes which are orthogonal to each other in a plane of the polarizing layer are an x-axis and a y-axis; an axis which is orthogonal to an x-y axis plane is a z-axis; and kx, ky and kz are an absorption coefficient along the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo NAKAMURA, Hiroshi TAKEUCHI, Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI, Yukito SAITOH
  • Publication number: 20090316071
    Abstract: A dual liquid crystal display (LCD) device including a first LCD panel displaying an image on a first surface; a second LCD panel formed on the same substrate to display an image on a second surface; a light source disposed at an adjacent side under the first LCD panel; a light guide disposed under the first and second LCD panels and including a first light guide block corresponding to the first LCD panel and having dot patterns formed in a first surface and a second light guide block corresponding to the second LCD panel and having taper-cascade grooves formed on a first surface; and a housing settling the first and second LCD panels, the light source and the light guide and having an opening to correspond to an image display surface of the second LCD panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Kyu-Han Bae, Shawn Kim, James Kim, Chang-Won Lee, David Lee, Hwal Choi
  • Publication number: 20090316082
    Abstract: A dual liquid crystal display device includes a transmissive liquid crystal display panel; a reflective liquid crystal display panel formed on the same substrate as the transmissive liquid crystal display panel; a first light guide block disposed under the transmissive liquid crystal display panel and having dot patterns formed on a first surface thereof; a second light guide block disposed under the reflective liquid crystal display panel and having V-grooves formed on a first surface thereof; a light source disposed adjacent to the first light guide block; a housing in which the transmissive and reflective liquid crystal display panels, the light source and the light guide blocks are seated, the housing having an opening to correspond to an image display surface of the reflective liquid crystal display panel; a dual brightness enhancement film provided in a region corresponding to the opening of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Kyu-Han Bae, Shawn Kim, James Kim, Mun-Cheol Lee, Won-Ki Cho, Hwal Choi
  • Patent number: 7633586
    Abstract: A display is provided for switching between a narrow or private viewing mode and a wide or public viewing mode. The display comprises a display device which is controlled to provide display of a desired image or sequence of images. This is associated with a liquid crystal device having at least one liquid crystal layer whose molecules are switchable between a first state providing a first angular viewing range and a second state providing a second angular viewing range which is within and smaller than the first angular viewing range. With the molecules in the second state, the device at least partially blocks light propagating towards part of the first angular viewing range outside the second angular viewing range. The or each liquid crystal layer is in contact with at least one alignment surface, the or each of which comprises a uniform non-patterned alignment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Robert Winlow, Zabbie J. Acosta, Martin D. Tillin, Paul Bonnett, Diana U. Kean, Grant Bourhill, Michel Sagardoyburu, Emma Jayne Walton, Koji Yabuta, Hiroshi Fukushima, Tomoo Takatani
  • Publication number: 20090303419
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal display device including: a first liquid crystal panel including a first liquid crystal layer; a second liquid crystal panel arranged to overlap the first liquid crystal panel and including a second liquid crystal layer; and color filters provided on the first liquid crystal panel, wherein color filters are not provided on the second liquid crystal panel, the first liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of first pixels, the second liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of second pixels, each of the first pixels of the first liquid crystal panel includes a plurality of sub pixels, and the second pixels are provided such that one second pixel corresponds to the plurality of sub pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Epson Imaging Devices Corporation
    Inventor: Norio KOMA
  • Patent number: 7630037
    Abstract: A single light guide plate illuminates both first and second liquid crystal display panels opposed to each other, the second liquid crystal display panel having a larger display area than that of the first liquid crystal display panel. A light-absorbing sheet is provided between the light guide plate and the first liquid crystal display panel to absorb light from the light guide plate and has a light-transmitting part aligned with the first liquid crystal display panel in a direction from the light guide plate toward the first liquid crystal display panel to transmit light from the light guide plate to the first liquid crystal display panel. A reflective polarizing sheet is provided between the second liquid crystal display panel and the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shimura
  • Patent number: 7626656
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device for switching a display mode between a wide viewing angle and a narrow viewing angle includes an LCD panel including an array substrate, a color filter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed between inner surfaces of the array substrate and the color filter substrate, and a viewing angle control cell adjacent to the LCD panel, the viewing angle control cell including a lower substrate on which a first electrode is formed, an upper substrate on which a second electrode is formed, and a dichroic liquid crystal layer interposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung-Seok Jang, Hyun-Suk Jin
  • Patent number: 7623217
    Abstract: A tool for use in affixing an optical component, such as glass, to a liquid crystal display (LCD) using a silicone gel mixture includes, in one embodiment, a unitary metallic platen that is shaped to define a central window. A narrow shelf is defined around the central window to support the optical component during the application of the silicone gel thereon. A upwardly extending partition is formed onto the top surface of the platen around the shelf to retain the optical component fixed in place on the platen during the assembly process. A plurality of identical, spaced apart, upwardly extending standoffs are formed onto the free end of the partition to support the LCD a fixed distance away from the optical component. In this manner, the standoffs ensure that the layer of silicone gel deposited between the optical component and the LCD is uniform in thickness to optimize performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Via Optronics, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Barrow, Maria E. Crouser, Wayne Patrick Gentry, Andrew Mitchell Robinson
  • Patent number: 7619703
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a backlight unit including a light source, a first panel unit disposed on a first side of the backlight unit, a second panel unit disposed on a second side of the backlight unit, and a porous reflector disposed between the backlight unit and the second panel unit and reflecting some light that is from the light source or is externally incident, and transmitting some.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Nam Yun, Maung-Hi Lee, Sang-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7609349
    Abstract: An IPS mode LCD device and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A switching device is formed at each unit pixel and then a passivation layer is formed thereon. A first concave pattern and a second concave pattern at each unit pixel by using one mask are formed, and a common electrode is formed in the first concave pattern and a pixel electrode is formed in the second concave pattern. Accordingly, the entire fabrication process is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Young Yang, Jung-Il Lee
  • Patent number: 7609330
    Abstract: A parallax barrier liquid crystal panel for a stereoscopic display device, including a first substrate including an active region and a non-active region, a second substrate facing the first substrate, first, second, and third lines in the non-active region, at least one barrier electrode in the active region and connected to the first line, at least one pair of first and second transmission electrodes disposed adjacent to the barrier electrode and connected to the second and third lines, respectively, a common electrode on the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ju-Han Kim
  • Patent number: 7602466
    Abstract: A 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional image display device and a method of manufacturing the same is described. The display device includes an image display panel for displaying an image, and a switching panel having upper and lower substrates with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. A pixel electrode, and first and second common electrodes, are formed on the lower substrate of the switching panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: LG. Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoon Kang
  • Publication number: 20090231662
    Abstract: A method and device for providing a dual-sided display device having increased viewability are provided. A display device includes a dual-sided display assembly and a power supply. The dual-sided display assembly includes a first viewable side and a second viewable side. A first electrochromic layer is formed over the first viewable side and a second electrochromic layer is formed over the second viewable side. Each of the first electrochromic layer and the second electrochromic layer are switchable between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state upon application of a switching voltage from the power supply, the state being selected based on an operational configuration of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Stefan SORENSSON, Ola THORN