U.S. patent application number 09/750697 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for liquid crystal display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. Invention is credited to Nakamura, Seiichi, Takato, Kohki.
Application Number | 20010015782 09/750697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26583523 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010015782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takato, Kohki ; et
al. |
August 23, 2001 |
Liquid crystal display device
Abstract
A liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal
layer, an alignment layer orientating the liquid crystal layer, and
a driving circuit that drives the liquid crystal layer. The
alignment layer is divided into a plurality of specified regions,
each having a recognizable size. The orientation direction of
adjacent regions is different from one another. This makes it
difficult to resolve a displayed image from directions other than
that from the front of the display, and instead a fixed pattern is
seen when the display is viewed from directions other than that
from the front. This fixed pattern can be chosen as desired and can
be, e.g., a figure or a trade name of a product.
Inventors: |
Takato, Kohki;
(Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Nakamura, Seiichi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON SPIVAK MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT PC
FOURTH FLOOR
1755 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
75, Horikawa-cho Kanagawa-ken
Kawasaki-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
26583523 |
Appl. No.: |
09/750697 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
349/129 ;
349/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/133374 20210101;
G02F 1/133757 20210101; G02F 1/133753 20130101; H04M 1/724
20210101; G02F 1/1347 20130101; G02F 1/1323 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
349/129 ;
349/187 |
International
Class: |
G02F 001/1337; G02F
001/13 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 11, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-6073 |
Dec 12, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-376914 |
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent
of the United States is:
1. A liquid crystal display comprising: a liquid crystal layer; and
alignment layers sandwiching said liquid crystal layer, comprising
an alignment layer surface divided into a plurality of regions,
each of said plurality of regions including a plurality of pixel
units, with orientations of said alignment layers in adjacent said
regions being different.
2. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein one of
said regions comprises a letter.
3. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein one of
said regions comprises a visible figure.
4. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein a long
side of a minimum hypothetical rectangular containing one of said
regions is equal to or larger than 0.1 millimeter.
5. The liquid crystal display according to claim 3, wherein said
figure comprises square.
6. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein said
liquid crystal layer is driven at a maximum voltage less than a
saturation voltage of said liquid crystal layer.
7. The liquid crystal display according to claim 6, wherein said
maximum voltage Vm and said saturation voltage Vs have a following
relation:0.005 Vs.ltoreq.Vm.ltoreq.0.7 Vs.
8. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein a
region of said plurality of regions of said alignment layers
comprises a unique orientation.
9. The liquid crystal display according to claim 1, wherein a
region of said plurality of regions of said alignment layers having
a same color element comprises a unique orientation.
10. A liquid crystal display comprising: a liquid crystal layer;
and alignment layers sandwiching said liquid crystal layer, said
alignment layers comprising surfaces divided into a plurality of
regions having different orientation directions, a first ratio of
areas of two regions of said plurality of regions in a first pixel
being different from a second ratio of areas of said two regions of
said plurality of regions in a second pixel.
11. The liquid crystal display according to claim 10, wherein a
region of said two regions comprises a letter.
12. The liquid crystal display according to claim 10, wherein a
region of said two regions comprises a visible figure.
13. A liquid crystal display comprising: a liquid crystal layer;
alignment layers sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; and a
driving circuit configured to drive said liquid crystal layer,
wherein an image formed in said liquid crystal layer by said
driving circuit is displayed at a front direction and a fixed image
independent of said driving circuit is displayed at an oblique
direction.
14. The liquid crystal display according to claim 13, wherein said
alignment layers comprise a plurality of regions having different
orientations.
15. The liquid crystal display according to claim 13, wherein said
fixed image comprises a letter.
16. The liquid crystal display according to claim 13, wherein said
fixed image comprises a visible figure.
17. The liquid crystal display according to claim 13, wherein said
fixed image comprises a color.
18. A liquid crystal display comprising: a liquid crystal layer;
alignment layers sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; and a
driving circuit configured to drive said liquid crystal layer,
wherein an image formed in said liquid crystal layer by said
driving circuit is displayed at a first direction normal to said
liquid crystal layer and a fixed image independent of said driving
circuit is displayed at a second direction.
19. A liquid crystal display comprising: a first liquid crystal
layer displaying an image determined by a driving circuit; a second
liquid crystal layer; and alignment layers sandwiching said second
liquid crystal layer, said alignment layer including regions
displaying a visible figure, with orientations of adjacent of said
regions being different.
20. A liquid crystal display comprising: a liquid crystal layer; a
pair of substrates sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; and a
driving circuit configured to drive said liquid crystal layer,
wherein an image formed in said liquid crystal layer by said
driving circuit is displayed at a front direction and a fixed image
independent of said driving circuit is displayed at an oblique
direction.
21. The liquid crystal display according to claim 20, wherein said
substrates comprise glass.
22. The liquid crystal display according to claim 20, wherein said
driving circuit is formed on said substrate.
23. The liquid crystal display according to claim 20, wherein said
driving circuit is formed separate from said substrate.
24. A terminal device comprising: a liquid crystal layer; a pair of
substrates sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; and a driving
circuit configured to drive said liquid crystal layer, wherein an
image formed by said driving circuit is displayed at a front
direction and a fixed image independent of said driving circuit is
displayed at an oblique direction.
25. A portable terminal device comprising: a liquid crystal layer;
a pair of substrates sandwiching said liquid crystal layer; and a
driving circuit configured to drive said liquid crystal layer,
wherein an image formed by said driving circuit is displayed at a
front direction and a fixed image independent of said driving
circuit is displayed at an oblique direction.
26. A method of forming a liquid crystal display device,
comprising: orienting a first portion of a first substrate in a
first direction; orienting a second portion of said first substrate
in a second direction; coating said first portion and said second
portion of said first substrate with a liquid crystal layer;
sandwiching said a liquid crystal layer between said first
substrate and a second substrate; and driving said liquid crystal
layer with a driving circuit to form an image.
27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: orienting
a third portion of said second substrate in a third direction; and
orienting a fourth portion of said second substrate in a fourth
direction.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein said fourth direction
is perpendicular to said second direction and said third direction
is perpendicular to said first direction after said sandwiching
step.
29. The method according to claim 26, wherein said first portion of
said first substrate comprises an image.
30. The method according to claim 26, wherein said first portion of
said first substrate comprises a logo.
31. A liquid crystal display comprising: a liquid crystal layer;
and means for sandwiching said liquid crystal layer, comprising at
least two portions each comprising a different means for aligning
an orientation of said liquid crystal layer sandwiched by said
respective portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of
Japanese Patent Application No. P2000-006073, filed Jan. 11, 2000
and Japanese Patent Application No. P2000-376914, filed Dec. 12,
2000, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display
device, a terminal device, or a portable terminal.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] Recent increases in the size of liquid crystal display
devices have expanded their market as display devices for notebook
personal computers, monitors, and so on.
[0006] In conventional TN type liquid crystal display devices, the
contrast of displayed image was highly dependent on viewing angle.
In fact, the display is visible from only certain angles. This
problem, however, is being improved through measures such as the
use of viewing angle compensation film. This makes it possible to
provide liquid crystal display devices with the same range of
viewing angles as CRTs.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,178 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,634,
methods for broadening the viewing angle are disclosed. In these
methods, in one pixel is provided with a plurality of sections,
each with a different pre-tilt angle direction. Additionally, in
Japanese Patent JP-A-9-5766, a method is disclosed in which a
section is provided with a different pre-tilt angle direction in
one pixel. In these disclosed prior art methods, the section with
different pre-tilt angle direction is provided in one pixel for the
purpose of broadening the viewing angle. The ratio between the
areas of the sections with different pre-tilt angle directions is
unique for all pixels, that is, one display, in order to prevent
uneven areas from occurring. Therefore, these methods neither
disclose nor suggest a method of providing a specified image that
is visible when the image is viewed from a specified direction.
[0008] In Japanese Patent JP-A-61-51124 and Japanese Patent
JP-A-61-51125 a device having plural display areas is disclosed. In
this device, liquid crystalline molecular orientation directions on
the alignment films are different on a single substrate. The
display patterns of this device are typically numerical. In this
device, some of the numbers (display patterns) can be seen from one
direction, and the others cannot be seen from the same direction.
The applications of this device intend that at least one numeral on
a display pattern can be seen from a direction.
[0009] On the other hand, conversely to the above, other displays
are preferably only visible from the front (i.e., they do not
permit oblique viewing). This prevents secret or confidential
documents from being viewed by people other than the user of the
display device while the documents are being prepared or read in a
public place. For example, this allows the user of such a display
to read or write a document such as a personal letter, regardless
of the presence of people around the user. Herein, such a
technology will be denoted as "viewing angle narrowing
technology."
[0010] The viewing angle narrowing technologies that have been
disclosed heretofore are a method of jointly using a liquid crystal
display device having a liquid crystal layer for image display and
a liquid crystal layer for phase difference control
(JP-A-11-174489, JP-A-11-7045, JP-A-9-105958), a method of using a
lens sheet (JP-A-11-84357 and others), a method of using a
diffusing optical guide plate (JP-A-10-97199 and others), and so
forth.
[0011] However, the above-described methods suffer from problems
such as an increase in the number of parts and an insufficiently
narrowed viewing angle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a liquid crystal display device that displays a standard
image when viewed from the front and a fixed image that is
independent from an inputted image signal when viewed from another
direction.
[0013] To that end, the present invention provides a liquid crystal
display including a liquid crystal layer and alignment films
sandwiching the liquid crystal layer, wherein surfaces of the
alignment films are divided into a plurality of regions including a
plurality of pixel units, and liquid crystal orientations on the
alignment films in adjacent regions are different.
[0014] These regions may form a letter, or these regions may form,
e.g., a visible figure.
[0015] A long side of a minimum hypothetical rectangle containing
the region may be equal to or larger than 0.1 millimeter. The
figure may be square.
[0016] A maximum voltage for driving the liquid crystal layer may
be less than the saturation voltage of the liquid crystal layer.
The maximum voltage for driving the liquid crystal layer Vm and the
saturation voltage Vs have a following relation: 0.005
Vs.ltoreq.Vm.ltoreq.0.7 Vs.
[0017] The orientation in one of the regions may be unique. The
orientation of the alignment films of the same color element in one
of the regions may be unique.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a liquid crystal display including a liquid
crystal layer and alignment films sandwiching the liquid crystal
layer, wherein surfaces of the alignment films are divided into a
plurality of regions having different orientation directions, and a
ratio of the regions in at least one pixel is different from a
ratio of the regions in the other pixel.
[0019] The region may form a letter, or the region may form, e.g.,
a visible figure.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a liquid crystal display including liquid crystal
layer alignment films sandwiching the liquid crystal layer and a
driving circuit for the liquid crystal layer, wherein an image
formed by the driving circuit is displayed to a front direction and
a fixed image independent of the driving circuit is displayed to
oblique directions.
[0021] The alignment films may have a plurality of regions where
orientations of the alignment films are different.
[0022] The fixed image may be a letter. The fixed image may be a
visible figure. The fixed image may have a color.
[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a liquid crystal display including liquid crystal
layer alignment films sandwiching the liquid crystal layer and a
driving circuit for the liquid crystal layer, wherein an image
formed by the driving circuit is displayed to the normal direction
of the liquid crystal layer and a fixed image independent of the
driving circuit is displayed to a direction other than the normal
direction.
[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a liquid crystal display including a first liquid
crystal layer displaying an image formed by a driving circuit, a
second liquid crystal layer, and alignment films sandwiching the
second liquid crystal layer wherein the alignment film has regions
containing a visible figure, and orientations of adjacent regions
are different.
[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a liquid crystal display including a liquid
crystal layer, a pair of substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal
layer, and a driving circuit for the liquid crystal layer, wherein
an image formed by the driving circuit is displayed to the front
and a fixed image independent of the driving circuit is displayed
to an oblique direction.
[0026] The substrate may be made of glass.
[0027] The driving circuit may be formed on the substrate, or the
driving circuit may be formed separately from the substrate.
[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a terminal device including a liquid crystal
layer, a pair of substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal layer,
and a driving circuit for the liquid crystal layer, wherein an
image formed by the driving circuit is displayed to a front
direction and a fixed image independent of the driving circuit is
displayed to an oblique direction.
[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a portable terminal device including a liquid
crystal layer, a pair of substrates sandwiching the liquid crystal
layer, and a driving circuit for the liquid crystal layer, wherein
an image formed by the driving circuit is displayed to a front
direction and a fixed image independent of the driving circuit is
displayed to an oblique direction.
[0030] According to a further aspect of present invention, the
alignment films in a liquid crystal display device are divided into
a plurality of regions. In each of these regions, the orientation
direction is different from at least some other regions so that
they are viewed as dark colors (such as black) when seen from a
specified direction. This variation in the liquid crystal display
device that is dependent upon viewing angle is achieved by
interfacial modification of the orientation direction performed on
the alignment film.
[0031] Thus, some of the regions seen in a specified color from a
specified direction prevent an image displayed on a screen from
being seen from a certain direction.
[0032] Moreover, a fixed image can be viewed from a specified
direction, independent of the display of an image signal inputted
to the liquid crystal display device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same become better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment
of an exemplary liquid crystal display device according to the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an arrangement of an
exemplary region a and region b in each of which the liquid crystal
orientation direction is different, shown in the first embodiment
of the liquid crystal display device according to the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a sketch illustrating orientation directions of
liquid crystals in the region a and the region b, with a solid line
arrow showing an abrasion (e.g., rubbing) direction of a lower
substrate and a dotted line arrow showing an abrasion (e.g.,
rubbing) direction of an upper substrate;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a sketch illustrating alignment treatment
directions of an alignment layer in the liquid crystal display
device, in which an arrow D represents an example of a viewing
direction from which the region a appears black independent of the
signal voltage into the liquid crystal layer, whereas the region b
appears black from the direction opposite to the direction D;
[0038] FIG. 5(a) is a conceptual cross-sectional view illustrating
a region 51 in which an image displayed by the liquid crystal in
the region a is visible (visible region) and regions 52 in which
the image is invisible (invisible region) such that the region a is
seen in black;
[0039] FIG. 5(b) is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a
visible region 53 of an image displayed by the liquid crystal in
the region b and invisible regions 54 in which the region b is seen
as black;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a sketch illustrating an example of an image
displayed on the first embodiment of the liquid crystal display
device when viewed from the front;
[0041] FIG. 7 shows the image presented in FIG. 6 when the liquid
crystal display device is viewed from the direction indicated by
the arrow D in FIG. 4, in which regions a appear black to make the
indicated image difficult to view when the liquid crystal display
device is seen from an oblique direction;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a sketch illustrating eight directions, 1 to 8,
over which viewing angles are measured for exhibiting that the
viewing angle depends on viewing direction;
[0043] FIG. 9 is a table showing results of the measurement of
viewing angle dependence of the liquid crystal display devices in
the first to fourth embodiments and four comparative examples;
[0044] FIG. 10(a) is a plan view illustrating an arrangement of a
region a and a region b, in each of which the direction of liquid
crystal orientation is different from the other, in the second
embodiment of the liquid crystal display device according to the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 10(b) is a view illustrating abrasion (e.g., rubbing)
directions of the region a and the region b in FIG. 10(a), with a
solid line arrow showing the abrasion (e.g., rubbing) direction of
a lower substrate and a dotted line arrow showing the abrasion
(e.g., rubbing) direction of an upper substrate;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating abrasion (e.g., rubbing)
directions of substrates for liquid crystal display devices in
comparative examples of liquid crystal display devices;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a display of a
logo such as a company name or a trade name of a product which is
seen superimposed on the exemplary displayed image shown in FIG. 6
when the image is viewed from the side;
[0048] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example of a display of a
figure superimposed on the exemplary displayed image shown in FIG.
6 when the image is viewed from the side;
[0049] FIG. 14 is an illustration of the region a in which red,
green, and blue pixels of a color liquid crystal display device are
arranged;
[0050] FIG. 15 is an illustration of that the orientation direction
of the liquid crystals in a pixel R is different from those of
pixels G and B;
[0051] FIG. 16 illustrates an alignment film with uniform abrasion
(e.g., rubbing) applied thereto as a first step in a method of
forming regions with different orientation directions of liquid
crystals in the alignment film; and
[0052] FIG. 17 shows an example of a photomask used in a step of
changing the orientation state of the alignment film prepared as
shown in FIG. 16 by light irradiation.
[0053] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a typical liquid crystal
display according to the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 19 shows two pixels in the display which have different
ratios between the region a and region b.
[0055] FIG. 20 shows an example of a cellular phone using an
exemplary liquid crystal display according to the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 21 shows an example of a palmtop computer using an
exemplary liquid crystal display according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] Embodiments of the liquid crystal display device according
to the present invention will be explained in detail in the
following with reference to drawings. However, the present
invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In
addition, numerical values (such as thickness) and materials are
presented as only examples.
[0058] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an
alignment film is divided into a plurality of square regions. In
one square region, one orientation direction is given, while the
orientation direction is different in an adjacent square region, so
that plural orientation directions are periodically repeated over
the arranged square regions.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the first
embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according to the
present invention. The cross-sectional view is referred to for
explaining a general structure of a liquid crystal display device.
Thus, structures of the following embodiments are not limited to
that shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] A polyimide alignment film 13 is provided on glass substrate
11 with Thin Film Transistors (TFT) formed thereon. On the other
hand, a polyimide alignment film 14 is provided on a glass
substrate 12 with color filters formed thereon. A liquid crystal
material 15 is sealed between the glass substrate 11 and the glass
substrate 12. The glass substrate 11 and the glass substrate 12 are
separated by spacers 16 with a particle diameter of about 5 .mu.m.
Both ends of the glass substrates are sealed by an epoxy sealer 17.
In this way, a liquid crystal display device with a uniform
thickness is formed. Columns may be used between the substrates in
order to maintain the separation between the glass substrates 11
and 12, instead of the spacer 16. In a small display, the
separation may be maintained using only the sealer 17 provided at
each end of the glass substrate.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 18, in the liquid crystal display 1801,
which has the liquid crystal layer held between the upper and lower
substrates, a driving circuit 1802 is connected to the liquid
crystal display 1801. The signal 1803 for determining the display
on the liquid crystal display 1801 is input to the driving circuit
1801. The driving circuit 1802 may be formed on the upper or lower
substrate, or it may be formed separately from the display
1801.
[0062] For the liquid crystal material, a TN type liquid crystal
LIXON 5010 supplied by Chisso Petrochemical Co., Ltd. can be used
which is used.
[0063] For the alignment film, a Polyimide P1-1051 supplied by
Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd. can be used.
[0064] A plan view of the first embodiment of the liquid crystal
display device according to the present invention is shown in FIG.
2. As used hereinafter, the expression "lower substrate" refers to
the glass substrate 11 provided with the TFTs. The "upper
substrate" refers to the glass substrate 12 provided with the color
filters. The "upper substrate" and "lower substrate" designations
are used for the sake of convenience only, and do not limit the
location of either substrate in the present invention.
[0065] On the alignment film, an interfacial modification that
relates to orientation is performed so that two kinds of regions,
namely regions a and b as shown in FIG. 2, with different
orientation directions that are alternately arranged. Here, the
interfacial modification that relates to orientation is produced,
e.g., by abrasion (e.g., rubbing, making minute grooves by
lithography, etc.).
[0066] The display screen that is subdivided into two kinds of
regions a and b is subject to the interfacial modification that
relates to orientation. Each of the regions is formed into, for
example, a square with sides of about 2.5 mm. This is sufficiently
larger than the size of a pixel so that the regions can be directly
recognized.
[0067] In this embodiment, the abrasion (e.g., rubbing) is
performed as follows. First, a polyimide film is formed on the
lower substrate, followed by uniform abrasion (e.g., rubbing) of
the polyimide film. This first abrasion (e.g., rubbing) can be
denoted as a forward abrasion (e.g., rubbing).
[0068] Next, either the regions a or the regions b are masked with
a thin metal film made of, e.g., stainless steel, as shown in FIG.
17. In the illustrated example, the regions b are masked and
abrasion (e.g., rubbing) is performed in the opposite direction to
that of the original abrasion (e.g., rubbing). This second abrasion
(e.g., rubbing) can be denoted as a reverse abrasion (e.g.,
rubbing). Next, the metal thin film is removed to provide a
substrate as shown in FIG. 2.
[0069] Over the whole face of the upper substrate that faces the
lower substrate, as shown in FIG. 2, a second polyimide film is
formed in the same way that the first polyimide film was formed on
the lower substrate. After formation, abrasion (e.g., rubbing) is
performed on the whole face of the second polyimide film in an
abrasion (e.g., rubbing) direction that is perpendicular to both
abrasion (e.g., rubbing) directions of the lower substrate
(provided both substrates are opposing). Then, regions
corresponding to either regions a or regions b of the lower
substrate are masked with a thin metal film made of, e.g.,
stainless steel. In the illustrated example, the regions b are
masked, and abrasion (e.g., rubbing) is performed in a direction
perpendicular to the forward and reverse directions of the abrasion
(e.g., rubbing) performed on the lower substrate and opposite to
the abrasion (e.g., rubbing) direction in the regions b of the
upper substrate. The thin metal film is later removed.
[0070] The resultant interfacial modification relating to
orientation in the region a and the region b is illustrated by the
directions indicated with solid lines arrows on the lower
substrate, and dotted line arrows on the upper substrate in FIG. 3.
The forward and reverse directions are opposite to each other in
both region a and region b. Moreover, the upper and lower
substrates are arranged so that the orientation direction on square
regions of the upper substrate is perpendicular to the orientation
direction on square regions faces of the lower substrate in each of
the regions a and b.
[0071] In the illustrated embodiment of the liquid crystal display
device, a sheet polarizer is provided on a surface of each of the
upper and lower substrates. Here, polarization planes of the sheet
polarizers on the upper and lower substrates are placed parallel to
one another so that the display is seen as black when no voltage is
applied. In addition, the sheet polarizers are arranged so that the
polarization planes are parallel to the abrasion (e.g., rubbing)
directions of either the region a or the region b. The maximum
voltage applied when driving the display device was determined to
be about 70% of the saturation voltage of the liquid crystal.
[0072] With the above processing, the obtained substrate is shown
in FIG. 4. In this type of liquid crystal display device, when
obliquely viewed from the direction indicated by an arrow D, the
regions a exhibit a strong dependence on the viewing angle and the
display is substantially made invisible. Namely, the regions a are
seen as black or blackened regardless of the display signal. On the
other hand, when viewed from the direction opposite to that
indicated by the arrow D, the regions b become transparent.
[0073] This will be further explained with reference to FIGS. 5(a)
and 5(b), which are enlarged cross-sectional views of portions of
the surface of the liquid crystal display device. Region a is shown
in FIG. 5(a) and region b is shown in FIG. 5(b). Although the
regions a and b are actually defined on the alignment film, for
convenience in the illustrated embodiment, the regions a and b are
conceptually shown directly on the glass substrate 12.
[0074] FIG. 5(a) illustrates an image visible region 51 and image
invisible regions 52 for the region a. When the screen is viewed
from the image visible region 51, the display reflects (e.g.,
displays) the condition of the liquid crystals (e.g., the image) as
in a normal liquid crystal display device. On the other hand, when
viewed from the image invisible regions 52, the display is always
seen as black or blackened regardless of the condition of the
liquid crystal. The state of being black or blackened is
hereinafter expressed simply as "black." For example, the region a,
when viewed from the direction D, is seen as black.
[0075] FIG. 5(b) shows an image visible region 53 and image
invisible regions 54 for the region b. In the image visible region
53, an image displayed in the region b by the liquid crystals can
be seen in the direction D. From the image invisible regions 54,
however, the region b is seen as black.
[0076] Since the regions a and the regions b are arranged side by
side, when the display is viewed from a certain direction (for
example, from the direction D), a normal liquid crystal display can
be seen in the regions b, while the regions a are seen as black.
This prevents the whole image displayed on the liquid crystal
display device from being seen.
[0077] Therefore, except for the case in which the display is
viewed approximately from the front, it has been made difficult for
an onlooker to understand any displayed information. Namely, from a
direction other than the front, the black squares of the regions a
or the regions b are seen on the display screen as if the displayed
image were scrambled.
[0078] For example, consider an image displayed in the liquid
crystal display device shown in FIG. 6. The image can be seen
correctly from approximately the front of the display device, as
shown in FIG. 6. However, when the display is viewed obliquely,
(for example, from the direction D), the display contains scattered
black patterns as shown in FIG. 7. This makes it impossible or
difficult to resolve the displayed details.
[0079] In order to test the visibility of this embodiment of the
liquid crystal display device, fifteen persons observed images and
figures displayed in the liquid crystal display device from the
directions numbered from 1 to 8 in FIG. 8. The images were
characters (such as Chinese characters, hiragana characters, and
alphabetic characters( and figures (such as photographs). In the
test, the angles at which the displayed images were visible were
determined and the results of a plurality of measurements were
averaged. The angles at which the displayed images were visible are
presented as inclination angles relative to a vector normal to the
screen (that is, directly in front of the screen), which was taken
as zero degrees. The measurements on characters and figures were
performed separately.
[0080] The measurement results are presented in a table in FIG. 9,
with the results from the first embodiment given in the first row
of the table.
[0081] For the figures, in the directions 1 and 5, namely, in the
horizontal direction, an inclination greater than about 16 degrees
off the normal conceals the displayed figures. In the directions 3
and 7, namely, in the vertical direction, inclinations up to about
32 degrees off the normal did not conceal the displayed figures. In
the directions 2, 4, 6, and 8, which are intermediate to the above
horizontal and vertical directions, inclinations up to about 18
degrees off the normal did not conceal the displayed figures.
[0082] For the characters, in the horizontal direction, the
displayed characters were difficult to read from an inclination
greater than about 15 degrees off the normal. In the vertical
direction, the displayed characters readable from inclinations up
to about 30 degrees.
[0083] The field of view that allows the characters to be read is
slightly narrower than the field of view that allows the figures to
be visible. It is believed that this is because the characters are
finer and more complex than the figures. However, the difference
between the characters and the figures is not very significant.
[0084] As is understood from the results of the test measurement,
the liquid crystal display device provided with the regions a and
b, as in the first embodiment, always allows a displayed image to
be seen when viewed from the front. However, it is impossible to
flawlessly view the displayed image from an inclination of 20
degrees or more off the normal when viewed obliquely from the right
and left sides. This prevents the displayed image from being
recognized when viewed from the side and permits the implementation
of a liquid crystal display device in which only the user of the
display can resolve the displayed image.
[0085] For example, the implementation of a mobile terminal or a
cellular phone that can be operated on one's hand with a display
screen that allows the user to see a displayed image and prevents
other people from resolving the displayed image is possible.
[0086] When the display screen is viewed from directions other than
the front, a pattern due to the orientation of the alignment film
becomes visible irrespective of the displayed image. Therefore, it
is favorable to suitably select the pattern depending on the
purpose of the displayed image.
[0087] Although a normally black liquid crystal display, which
displays black without the application voltage, is described above,
a normally white liquid crystal which displays white without the
application of voltage, can also be used. In normally white
devices, it is preferable that a bias voltage of 0.5% to 70% of the
saturation voltage of the liquid crystal be applied. It is more
preferable that a bias voltage of 5% to 50% of the saturation
voltage of the liquid crystal be applied. It is more preferable
that a bias voltage of 5% to 20% of the saturation voltage of the
liquid crystal be applied. In the second embodiment, the regions a
and the regions b were arranged in a pattern shown in FIG. 10(a).
In other respects, the second embodiment is the same as the first
embodiment. In the second embodiment, the directions of diagonal
abrasion (e.g., rubbing) of the regions a and the regions b matched
to an image observer coming from the vertical direction. Although
the pattern as shown in FIG. 10(a) is described as an embodiment,
it is also possible to arrange the pattern such that the vertical
direction of the pattern does not match the direction of the
diagonal abrasion (e.g., rubbing) of the regions a and the regions
b.
[0088] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the
abrasion (e.g., rubbing) direction in the regions a and the regions
b on the upper substrate are represented by dotted line arrows and
those on the lower substrate are represented by solid line arrows.
In the pattern in the second embodiment, the square regions are
rotated relative to those in the first embodiment by 45 degrees.
The regions a and the regions b are squares with sides of about 2.5
mm.
[0089] For the liquid crystal display device according to the
second embodiment, a viewer's perception at different viewing
angles was evaluated as in the first embodiment. The average values
of thus obtained angles of inclination relative to the normal to
the screen are shown in the table in FIG. 9. Approximately
identical results to the first embodiment results were obtained,
with smaller angles in the horizontal direction allowing the viewer
to read a displayed image.
[0090] In a third embodiment of the present invention, a STN type
liquid crystal ZLI-4540 (270 Degree Twist) supplied from Merck
Japan Co., Ltd. was used for the liquid crystal material. Moreover,
stripe-shaped ITO electrodes were provided on each of the upper and
lower glass substrates. Here, the stripe-shaped ITO electrodes on
the upper glass substrate were provided perpendicularly to those on
the lower glass substrate when the two glass substrates are
opposed. Other features such as the materials and conditions were
identical to those in the second embodiment. The stripe-shaped ITO
electrodes, each formed with a width of about 200 .mu.m, were
arranged at 20 .mu.m intervals.
[0091] On the ITO electrodes provided on each of the upper and
lower substrates, an alignment layer was formed which was abraded
(e.g., rubbed) as in the second embodiment to form the regions a
and b on the substrates.
[0092] The polarizing filters are aligned to be black when no
voltage is applied, and the maximum voltage of the driving signals
is 70% of the saturation voltage of the liquid crystal.
[0093] Upon application of a specified voltage to selected ITO
electrodes on the upper and lower substrates, the molecular
orientation of a liquid crystal at an intersection of the
respective ITO electrodes is changed due to the influence of the
electric field. This changes light transmittance of the liquid
crystal, through which a desired image can be displayed.
[0094] In the third embodiment, a displayed image can be seen when
the screen is viewed from the front, whereas, when viewed from the
side, only either of the regions a or the regions b can be seen,
thus making it impossible to observe the whole image.
[0095] The influence of viewing angle was evaluated in a liquid
crystal display device made according to the third embodiment, in a
manner similar to the manner in which the first embodiment was
tested. The results are also shown in the table in FIG. 9.
[0096] In the third embodiment, it can be understood that the
viewing angles in the horizontal direction for the displayed image
are limited. The third embodiment makes it impossible to recognize
the display image at an inclination about 25 degrees from the
normal. In particular, when viewed from the directions 1 and 5,
inclinations of 11 to 14 degrees from the front make it impossible
to recognize the displayed image. In other words, by providing
regions a and b, the viewing angle in the horizontal direction can
be limited.
[0097] When a normally white liquid crystal display is used, it is
preferable that a bias voltage of 0.5% to 70% of the saturation
voltage of the liquid crystal be applied. It is more preferable
that a bias voltage of 5% to 50% of the saturation voltage of the
liquid crystal be applied. It is more preferable that a bias
voltage of 5% to 20% of the saturation voltage of the liquid
crystal be applied.
[0098] In a fourth embodiment according to the present invention,
twisted FLC type ferroelectric liquid crystal 2005, supplied by
Chisso Petrochemical Co., Ltd., was used as a liquid crystal
material. This liquid crystal material exhibits a relatively high
speed response. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer, i.e.,
the cell gap, is about 2 .mu.m, and the maximum driving voltage is
the saturation voltage of the liquid crystal. The polarization
direction of the polarizing film is set parallel to the abrasion
(e.g., rubbing) direction of the alignment layers on the
substrates. In this case, the device is normally white. The viewing
angles of this device are maximal when no voltage is applied. The
other portions of a device according to the fourth embodiment are
the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0099] In the liquid crystal display device according to the fourth
embodiment, viewing angles were evaluated in a manner identical to
the tests of the first embodiment. Averaged values of the obtained
angles of inclination relative to the normal to the screen are
shown in the table in FIG. 9.
[0100] In this embodiment, in the vertical direction (i.e., in the
direction 3 and the direction 7), it is possible to resolve the
displayed image even with an inclination 50 degrees off the normal.
However, when viewed from the side (i.e., viewed from the direction
1 and the direction 5), an inclination of about 15 degrees off the
normal makes it impossible to recognize the displayed image. In
this embodiment, the effect of providing the regions a and b is
remarkable.
[0101] Comparative examples were prepared for demonstrating the
effect of the present invention. Three kinds of liquid crystal
display devices were prepared in which an interfacial modification
related to orientation was performed on a display screen as shown
in FIG. 11 without dividing the screen into a plurality of the
regions with different orientation directions. Other portions of
the three display devices were formed in the same way as the
second, third, and fourth embodiments and are referred to as
comparison examples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Also, in each of the
comparison examples, the abrasion (e.g., rubbing) direction on an
upper substrate is represented by a dotted line arrow, and that on
a lower substrate by a solid line arrow.
[0102] In the liquid crystal display device of the comparison
examples, viewing angles were evaluated in the same manner as for
the first embodiment. Averaged values of the obtained angles of
inclination off the normal to the screen are shown in the table in
FIG. 9.
[0103] In comparison example 1, when viewed from the direction 1,
the image can be seen up to about 40 degrees inclined off the
normal. However, when viewed from the opposite direction 5, an
inclination of approximately 15 degrees off the normal conceals the
image. Additionally, in the vertical direction, an inclination of
about 30 degrees off the normal conceals the image. In this case, a
displayed image is always visible from the front. From the
direction 1, the displayed image can be seen over a wide range of
inclination angles.
[0104] In the comparison example 2, when viewed from the direction
1, inclinations of 23 and 24 degrees off the normal conceal the
image. From the direction 5, an inclination of about 10 degrees off
the normal conceals the image. In the vertical direction,
inclinations of several degrees above 20 degrees off the normal
conceal the image. Also in this case, when viewed from the
direction 1, the displayed image is visible over a wide range of
angles.
[0105] In the comparison example 3, the image is visible from
inclinations up to about 70 degrees off the normal from the
direction 1. From the direction 5, an inclination of 20 degrees off
the normal conceals the image. From the direction 1, the displayed
image is visible over a wide range of angles.
[0106] Furthermore, by using the results shown in FIG. 9, a
comparison was made across the display devices with TN liquid
crystals by comparing the first and the second embodiments with the
comparison example 1, a comparison across STN liquid crystals by
comparing the third embodiment with the comparison example 2, and a
comparison across twisted FLC liquid crystals by comparing the
fourth embodiment with the comparison example 3.
[0107] In all of the display devices with the above types of the
liquid crystal, it is shown that dramatically narrower viewing
angles in the horizontal direction are provided by the present
invention. Therefore, it has been proven that all of types of
liquid crystal materials can be used to narrow the viewing angle
according to the present invention. In particular, with the use of
the twisted FLC liquid crystals that exhibit relatively high speed
responses, a clearly moving image can be resolved when the image is
viewed from the front.
[0108] In the above described embodiments, the interfacial
modification related to orientation was performed in order to limit
the viewing angle in the horizontal direction to achieve the
results as presented in FIG. 9. Thus, by changing the orientation
direction of the described embodiments, it is possible to limit the
viewing angle in an arbitrary direction.
[0109] For comparison example 4, a liquid crystal display device
like that of embodiment 1 with a saturation voltage of the liquid
crystal layer supplied thereto was prepared. Viewing angles in this
example were evaluated as in the first embodiment. Averaged values
of the obtained angles of inclination off the normal to the screen
are shown in the table in FIG. 9.
[0110] In the comparison example 4 is viewed from the side (namely
from the direction 1 and the direction 5), an inclination about 25
degrees off the normal concealed the image. However, in the
vertical direction, the image was visible from inclinations up to
several degrees above 30 degrees off the normal, and little
dependence on viewing direction was exhibited.
[0111] Comparison of the first embodiment with the comparison
example 4 showed that when the maximum driving voltage was the
saturation voltage of the liquid crystal layer, the viewing angle
was broadened. Therefore, the maximum driving voltage is preferably
taken as being equal to or below about 90% of the saturation
voltage of the liquid crystal layer in normally black devices.
[0112] On the other hand, the maximum driving voltage must be at or
above 40% of the saturation voltage of the liquid crystal layer.
This is because a desirable image contrast cannot be obtained when
the driving voltage is below about 40% of the saturation
voltage.
[0113] When a normally white liquid crystal display is used, it is
preferable that a bias voltage of about 0.5% to about 70% of the
saturation voltage of the liquid crystal be applied. It is more
preferable that a bias voltage of about 5% to about 50% of the
saturation voltage of the liquid crystal be applied. It is more
preferable that a bias voltage of about 5% to about 20% of the
saturation voltage of the liquid crystal be applied.
[0114] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device like
that in the first embodiment was used. However, it is possible to
use liquid crystal display devices described in the second
embodiment and later, or those with like functions.
[0115] In the above embodiments, when the display is viewed from
directions other than the front, a pattern provided on the
alignment film is observed regardless of the displayed image. This
allows the display to provide a desired fixed pattern that is seen
when the display is viewed from the side.
[0116] Namely, by noting the fact that the fixed pattern (which has
no relation to the displayed image) is seen from a direction other
than from the front, a specified or predetermined figure can be
made visible from this direction. In other words, instead of the
typical checkered pattern shown in FIG. 7, a desired, fixed pattern
can be displayed by suitably arranging the regions a and b when
forming a desired orientation pattern on the alignment layer.
[0117] The fixed pattern can be formed so that, for example, a
trade name of a product, a logo of a company, or a popular cartoon
character can be seen when the display is viewed from the side.
Such a liquid crystal display device can display a fixed pattern
like a trade name of a product on a cellular phone that is
presented to a prize winner.
[0118] For example, when the liquid crystal display device is
displaying the image shown in FIG. 6, this image displayed by the
liquid crystal layer can be seen as superposed with patterns formed
by regions with different orientation directions when the display
is viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 12. In this way, a
permanent figure such as a company name or a trade name of a
product can be displayed as a fixed pattern. Here, the fixed
pattern such as the company name is displayed regardless of the
display image of the liquid crystal layer and is independent of the
input signal to the liquid crystal layer.
[0119] In addition, another example of a region with a different
orientation direction is shown in FIG. 13, in which a heart shape
is used. When the alignment film is divided into two regions a and
b with such a single figure occupying a large portion of the
display, the figure is seen, as shown in FIG. 13 for example, when
laterally viewed from the right. Conversely, when laterally viewed
from the left, the display is seen with a figure displayed in the
liquid crystal layer being within the heart-shaped pattern whose
outside is seen as black. Instead of the heart-shaped pattern in
the example, any desired pattern can be formed as the fixed
pattern.
[0120] A single fixed pattern that is large compared to the size of
the display screen is effectively used as a message. However, the
prevention of viewing the display from the side is hindered.
Conversely, a fine pattern is effective when used for preventing
the display from being examined, but transmits a message less
effectively. In this regard, prevention of the examination of the
display from the side and providing a message are incompatible.
However, since the fixed pattern can be designed as desired, it can
be selected in light of the above incompatible effects.
[0121] The fixed pattern can be prepared by designing regions
having changed orientation directions. Therefore, no the
manufacturing process of the normal liquid crystal display device
is not significantly changed. Furthermore, a pattern used to form
the regions in which the orientation direction are made different
can be so easily prepared that there is relatively little time lost
in the manufacturing process.
[0122] In a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, a
liquid crystal display like that in the first embodiment can be
used. Moreover, it is possible to make liquid crystal display
devices described in the second embodiment and later or other
liquid crystal display devices which can provide color displays
using the sixth embodiment.
[0123] FIG. 14 is a view shows an example liquid crystal display
device that displays a color image. On the display, pixels
displaying red (R), green (G) and blue (B) are arranged. The
arrangement of the R, G and B pixels is not necessarily limited to
that shown in FIG. 14.
[0124] Here, as in the first embodiment, the alignment layer is
divided into regions a and regions b. Each of the divided regions
must be divided so as to include a plurality of pixels and be
visible as a region. For example, when the alignment layer is
divided into the regions a or b shown in FIG. 2, each of the
regions a and regions b has a size that includes a plurality of
pixels. Therefore, it should be noted that the region a includes a
plurality of R, G and B pixels, as shown in FIG. 14. The same is
true about the region b.
[0125] The following explanation will be made in the context of
region a. However, the same is true for region b.
[0126] For example, only the orientation direction of the pixel R
in the region a is different from that of the pixels G and B. This
can be made, for example, by reversing the abrasion (e.g., rubbing)
direction in the pixel R relative to that of the pixel G and pixel
B shown in FIG. 15.
[0127] Such a implementation allows the region a to be seen in
bluish green when viewed from, for example, the direction D shown
in FIG. 15, and in red when viewed from the side opposite to D.
That is, by selectively changing the orientation direction only of
pixels of a specified color in the region a, it becomes possible
for the region a to be seen as colored when viewed from the
side.
[0128] As explained above, when the region a is colored and formed
in a desired pattern (as in the fifth embodiment), it is possible
to provide a fixed colored image that is visible when viewed from
the side.
[0129] Any desired tint can be displayed depending on the selection
of pixels R, G and B in the regions a. For example, when the region
is defined by pixel units, the fixed patterns can be expressed in
eight colors from a viewing direction. When a pixel is subdivided
by the regions as shown in FIG. 19, the fixed patterns can be
expressed in any intensity level or color (as in a photo). In FIG.
19, pixels p and q in the display are divided into two regions a
and b. The ratio of the areas of regions a and b in the pixel p is
different from that of pixel b. The pixels thus have different
ratios of the areas of the regions, which in turn have different
orientation directions. This unevenness in the display is made
intentionally and is used to display fixed figures.
[0130] Thus, according to the sixth example, it is possible to
color a desired fixed pattern.
[0131] The above embodiment was explained as an example of using
the mask abrasion (e.g., rubbing) method for forming the regions a
and b. This method includes physically shielding regions other than
the region to be subjected to abrasion (e.g., rubbing). In addition
to the above method, a part of the alignment layer with light after
abrasion (e.g., rubbing) can be irradiated to form a plurality of
regions with different orientation directions. The irradiation
changes the pre-tilt angle of the alignment layer to form an
irradiated part with a different viewing angle dependence.
[0132] The method of changing pre-tilt angle by light irradiation
will be explained with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17.
[0133] First, on a glass substrate 121, a polyimide film is formed,
the whole surface of which is then subjected to abrasion (e.g.,
rubbing) in a specified orientation direction (in the direction
indicated by the arrow, for example) as shown in FIG. 16.
[0134] Along with this, a photomask 131 is prepared which has a
pattern as shown in FIG. 17.
[0135] With the photomask 131 set on the glass substrate 121 with
the polyimide film, irradiation with visible-ultraviolet rays is
performed on the glass substrate 121 from a high pressure mercury
lamp of about 10 J/cm.sup.2. The ultraviolet ray irradiation
reduces pre-tilt angle of the alignment layer in the region
irradiated by the ultraviolet rays.
[0136] On a glass substrate that is to face the glass substrate
121, a polyimide film is similarly formed and subjected to abrasion
(e.g., rubbing). On this glass substrate that is to face the glass
substrate 121, a photomask which has a reversed pattern to that of
the photomask 131 shown in FIG. 17 is set and a similar ultraviolet
ray irradiation is performed. The two glass substrates are then
arranged so that the irradiated parts of one substrate oppose the
unirradiated parts of the other substrate.
[0137] Following this, nematic liquid crystal material is injected
to form a liquid crystal display device between the glass
substrates.
[0138] When a dextrorotary structure is stable at regions where
only abrasion (e.g., rubbing) has been performed, levorotary liquid
crystals are used. Conversely, when a levorotary structure is
stable at regions where only abrasion (e.g., rubbing) has been
performed, dextrorotary liquid crystals are injected. This makes it
possible to form two regions that exhibit a strong dependence on
viewing angle different from one another.
[0139] For example, when forming regions with a plurality of
orientation directions, two or more orientation directions can be
sufficient. Two orientation directions make it difficult to
recognize the display from any direction other than from the
intended direction.
[0140] An example embodiment is described in which a region seen as
black when viewed from the direction 1 shown in FIG. 8 and a region
seen as black when viewed from the direction 5 are alternately
arranged. However, the arrangement of regions is not necessarily
alternating. Namely, it is possible to simultaneously arrange on
the screen a region seen as black when viewed from the direction 1,
a region seen as black when viewed from the direction 5, and a
region in which a displayed image can be seen when viewed from the
direction 1 and the direction 5.
[0141] In addition, shapes and sizes of the regions with different
directions of orientation can be selected as desired, considering
the purpose, design, etc. of the display. For example, a region can
be formed in the shape of a polygon such as a parallelogram or a
triangle, circle, or ellipse. The size of the region can be also
changed depending on the purpose. For example, when a minimum
quadrilateral considered as including the region has a length
between about 0.1 mm and about 1 cm, the display screen is
favorably made unrecognizable from a direction other than from the
front. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the
quadrilateral be between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm.
[0142] With respect to a sheet polarizer of the liquid crystal
display device, it is arranged so that it provides either a black
display or a white display when no voltage is applied.
[0143] When narrowing the viewing angle according to the present
invention, it is preferable to drive the display with a voltage
equal to or below the saturation voltage of the liquid crystal
layer. Thus, it is better to set the liquid crystal display device
to provide a black display when no voltage is applied. This allows
the liquid crystal display device to present a sufficiently black
display yet provide a good image quality.
[0144] When a normally white liquid crystal display is used, it is
preferable that a bias voltage of about 0.5% to about 70% of the
saturation voltage of the liquid crystal is applied to obtain an
effective display. It is more preferable that a bias voltage of
about 5% to about 50% of the saturation voltage of the liquid
crystal is applied. It is more preferable that a bias voltage of
about 5% to about 20% of the saturation voltage of the liquid
crystal is applied.
[0145] Although the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the
substrates in the above described examples, a liquid crystal
display with a liquid crystal layer formed on a single substrate
can be produced. In this type of display, the liquid crystal layer
is sandwiched between the substrate and a protective film instead
of a substrate.
[0146] Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device according to
the present invention can be made to have two liquid crystal
layers. Here, a liquid crystal layer on the far side of the user is
to be denoted as a lower liquid crystal layer, and that on the near
side is denoted as an upper liquid crystal layer. The lower liquid
crystal layer is to display a display image as usual. The upper
liquid crystal layer is made to have a plurality of regions with
different orientation directions with adjacent regions arranged so
that the orientation directions are different from one another.
This makes the upper liquid crystal layer display a specified
figure when viewed from directions other than from the front.
[0147] With the upper liquid crystal layer in an intermediate
displaying state, an image displayed in the lower liquid crystal
layer can be seen from the front. However, when the display is
viewed from directions other than from the front, the image
displayed in the lower liquid crystal layer is screened by the
figure displayed in the upper liquid crystal layer.
[0148] Moreover, when a voltage is applied to the upper liquid
crystal layer to orient the liquid crystal molecules therein, the
display is made uniform to allow a displayed image in the lower
liquid crystal layer to be visible even when viewed from directions
other than from the front. That is, this allows a switching
operation that conceals or reveals the displayed image in the lower
crystal layer from directions other than from the front.
[0149] The liquid crystal display can be used in cellular phones,
portable terminals, palm computers, laptop computers, and other
devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 or FIG. 21, the
above-described liquid crystal displays can be used to form the
display 1902 of the cellular phone 1901, or the display 2002 of the
palmtop computer 2001.
[0150] As described above in detail, the liquid crystal display
device according to the present invention makes a fixed pattern
visible which has no relation with an image displayed on the screen
when viewed from directions other than from the front. This can
make it difficult to recognize displayed information and makes it
possible to prevent the displayed information from being
surreptitiously observed by other persons. Furthermore, the fixed
pattern can be used for displaying a background figure or a trade
name of a product. Moreover, a new location for advertisements on a
liquid crystal display has been found.
[0151] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *