Patent ID: 7142270
Filing Date: 2006-11-28
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. A liquid crystal display device for displaying information viewable by an observer from opposite sides of the device using incident light incident from only one of the sides, the liquid crystal display device comprising: a liquid crystal panel having two opposing substrates and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the two opposing substrates, the liquid crystal panel being driven during use of the liquid crystal display device to change the direction of polarization of polarized light passing therethrough at selected regions thereof to produce display information; a polarizer disposed over a first side of the liquid crystal panel for polarizing incident light incident thereon; and only one reflection-polarizing plate which is disposed over a second side of the liquid crystal panel opposite the first side for receiving polarized incident light exiting the liquid crystal panel; wherein incident light polarized by the polarizer and transmitted through the liquid crystal panel while undergoing a change in direction of polarization is reflected by the reflection-polarizing plate back through the liquid crystal panel and the polarizer to enable an observer to view the display information from the first side of the liquid crystal panel; and wherein incident light polarized by the polarizer and transmitted through the liquid crystal panel without undergoing a change in direction of polarization is transmitted through the reflection-polarizing plate to enable an observer to view the display information from the second side of the liquid crystal panel.