Patent ID: 6317180
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A liquid crystal device that modulates light responsive to given image signals, comprising:a first absorptive polarizer configured to receive light from outside;a liquid crystal cell configured to receive light emitted from the first absorptive polarizer;a second absorptive polarizer configured to receive light emitted from the liquid crystal cell; anda reflective polarizer configured to receive light emitted from the second absorptive polarizer,wherein the reflective polarizer has an axis of reflection in a predetermined direction to reflect at least part of light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizer, the liquid crystal cell, and the second absorptive polarizer to be incident on the reflective polarizer, and the reflective polarizer partially transmits light including a linearly polarized light component which is included in light entering the reflective polarizer from an opposite side to a side facing the second absorptive polarizer to be transmitted through the second absorptive polarizer, andwherein the first absorptive polarizer has an axis of transmission in a specific direction to cause light reflected by the reflective polarizer and transmitted through the second absorptive polarizer to be transmitted through the first absorptive polarizer,said liquid crystal device further comprising:a backlight disposed on the opposite side of the reflective polarizer,wherein light emitted from the backlight is adjusted to have a color other than white in order to cause color of a first light to be close to color of a second light, the first light being one that is emitted from the backlight and transmitted through the reflective polarizer, the second absorptive polarizer, the liquid crystal cell, and the first absorptive polarizer, the second light being the one from the outside transmitted through the first absorptive polarizer, the liquid crystal cell, and the second absorptive polarizer, subsequently reflected by the reflective polarizer, then transmitted through the second absorptive polarizer, the liquid crystal cell, and the first absorptive polarizer.