Patent ID: 7821597

Claim:
A display device comprising: a first electrode; a liquid crystal layer positioned under and connected to the first electrode; a second electrode; a switchable optical layer, having in use either a transparent state or a non-transparent state and being electrically switchable between the transparent state and the non-transparent state, wherein the non-transparent state is a selectively emissive state, and wherein the switchable optical layer is positioned above and connected to the second electrode; a plurality of pixel switches in physical contact with and electrically connected to the second electrode; and a third electrode positioned between the liquid crystal layer and the switchable optical layer, wherein the second electrode is a first pixellated electrode connected to the switchable optical layer and comprises a first plurality of first distinct electrodes, wherein the third electrode is a second pixellated electrode connected to the switchable optical layer and comprises a plurality of second distinct electrodes, and wherein each one of the first distinct electrodes opposes an associated second distinct electrode across the switchable optical layer, and further wherein the plurality of pixel switches are positioned below the second electrode, such that each pixel switch is connected to one of the plurality of first distinct electrodes; wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to a constant voltage supply; and wherein the third electrode is electrically connected to the constant voltage supply during the non-transparent state.