Patent ID: 6768481
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: G02F,G09G

Abstract:
A display device that displays in each of a reflective display mode using external light and a transmissive display mode using internal light, a gray scale of the display device being prepared according to image data prepared for use in each mode thereof, the display device comprising:a first polarized light separating member that permits a first light component polarized to a first direction to pass therethrough and permits a light component other than the first light component to reflect thereagainst or be absorbed thereinto; a second polarized light separating member that permits a second light component polarized to a second direction to pass therethrough and permits a light component other than the second light component to reflect thereagainst or be absorbed thereinto; a variable transmission polarization axis member disposed between the first polarized light separating member and the second polarized light separating member, the variable transmission polarization axis member controlling a transmission polarization axis that is switchable between the reflective display mode and the transmissive display mode and being changeable to range from the first direction to the second direction according to the image data in each of the reflective and transmissive modes; and a driving circuit connected to the variable transmission polarization axis member, the driving circuit being operable to apply first image data to the variable transmission polarization axis member in one of the reflective and transmissive display modes, and to apply second image data to the variable transmission polarization axis member in the other of the reflective and transmissive display modes; wherein the second image data has preset potential which becomes approximately the same as light intensity when the first image data is applied.