Patent ID: 6078376
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A liquid crystal display device including a first substrate and a second substrate which are opposed to each other, and liquid crystal sealed between the first and the second substrates, wherein light transmission of the liquid crystal is controlled by electrically controlling double refraction of the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal display device comprising:a first electrode formed on the first substrate and having an effective portion formed on a part of a picture element region such that another part of the picture element region lacks the effective portion of the first electrode; anda second electrode formed on the second substrate and having an effective portion formed on a part of the picture element region such that another part of the picture element region lacks the effective portion of the second electrode, the effective portion of the second electrode being offset with respect to the effective portion of the first electrode in the picture element region;a third electrode formed on the second substrate between the second electrodes that are opposed to each other;wherein the first electrode and the third electrode have substantially the same potential, and further wherein a voltage is applied between the first and the third electrodes, and the second electrode;wherein when a voltage is applied between the first and the second electrodes, the picture element region is divided into at least two regions, a first region and a second region, whereby an electric field distribution in the liquid crystal of the first region and an electric field distribution in the liquid crystal of the second region are different from each other, and an orientation of the liquid crystal in the first region and an orientation of the liquid crystal in the second region are also different from each other;further wherein the first electrode is formed on the first substrate within the picture element region; andthe second electrode is formed on the second substrate along outer edges of the picture element region that are opposed to each other.