PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8633879-B2
Application Number: US-37136009-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Undulating electrodes for improved viewing angle and color shift

Abstract:
The present disclosure generally provides for a variety of multi-domain pixel configurations that may be implemented in the unit pixels of an LCD display device, such as a fringe field switching LCD display panel. An LCD display device utilizing one or more of the presently disclosed techniques disclosed herein may exhibit improved display properties, such as viewing angle, color shift, and transmittance properties, relative to those exhibited by conventional multi-domain designs.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, comprising:
 a plurality of unit pixels, wherein each of the plurality of unit pixels comprises an electrode, wherein the electrode comprises:
 a first electrode strip; and 
 a second electrode strip; 
 wherein the first and the second electrode strips extend from a first end of the electrode at respective first and second angles with respect to a vertical axis of the LCD panel, the first and second angles having opposite angular directions with respect to a horizontal axis of the LCD panel; 
 wherein the first and the second electrode strips diverge from the first end over a first portion of the vertical length of the electrode to an intermediate point between the first end and a second end of the electrode, the second end being opposite the first end; 
 wherein, from the intermediate point, the first and second electrode strips converge over a second portion of the vertical length of the electrode at respective third and fourth angles with respect to the vertical axis of the LCD panel, the third and fourth angles having the same angular directions as the first and second angles, respectively; 
 wherein the first and second electrode strips converge at the second end of the electrode. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The LCD panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second angles are substantially equal in magnitude, and wherein the third and fourth angles are substantially equal in magnitude. 
     
     
       3. The LCD panel of  claim 1 , wherein, if the first and second portions of the vertical length of the electrode are substantially equal, the first and third angles are substantially equal in magnitude and the second and fourth angles are substantially equal in magnitude. 
     
     
       4. The LCD panel of  claim 1 , wherein, if the first portion of the vertical length of the electrode is greater than the second portion, the magnitude of the third angle is greater than the magnitude of the first angle, and the magnitude of the fourth angle is greater than the magnitude of the second angle. 
     
     
       5. The LCD panel of  claim 1 , wherein if the first portion of the vertical length of the electrode is less than the second portion, the magnitude of the third angle is less than the magnitude of the first angle, and the magnitude of the fourth angle is less than the magnitude of the second angle. 
     
     
       6. The LCD panel of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode comprises:
 a third electrode strip coupled to the first and second ends of the electrode, the third electrode strip being directly adjacent to the first electrode strip and generally mimicking the shape of the first electrode strip in a generally parallel manner; and 
 a fourth electrode strip coupled to the first and second ends of the electrode, the fourth electrode strip being directly adjacent to the second electrode strip and generally mimicking the shape of the second electrode strip in a generally parallel manner. 
 
     
     
       7. The LCD panel of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of unit pixels are arranged in a pixel array having rows and columns defined by scanning lines and data lines, respectively. 
     
     
       8. The LCD panel of  claim 7 , wherein each of the plurality of unit pixels comprises a thin film transistor (TFT) coupling the respective pixel to a scanning line and a data line. 
     
     
       9. The LCD panel of  claim 8 , comprising a light-opaque matrix disposed over the pixel array and defining a light-transmissive aperture over each of the unit pixels, wherein each light-transmissive aperture comprises a first vertical edge that generally mimics the shape of the first electrode strip in a generally parallel manner and a second parallel edge that generally mimics the shape of the second electrode strip in a generally parallel manner. 
     
     
       10. A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, comprising:
 a pixel array comprising a plurality of unit pixels, wherein the plurality of unit pixels comprises:
 a first set of unit pixels each comprising an electrode having one or more electrode strips, wherein the one or more electrode strips extend from a transistor end of the electrode at a first angle with respect to a vertical axis of the LCD panel in a first angular direction over a first distance along the vertical length of the electrode, and wherein the one or more electrode strips are positioned at a second angle with respect to the vertical axis in a second angular direction opposite the first angular direction over a second distance along the vertical length of the electrode; and 
 a second set of unit pixels each comprising an electrode having one or more electrode strips, wherein the one or more electrode strips extend from a transistor end of the electrode at the second angle in the first angular direction over the second distance along the vertical length of the electrode, and wherein the one or more electrode strips are positioned at the first angle in the second angular direction over the first distance along the vertical length of the electrode; 
 wherein the first and second distances are contiguous along the vertical length of the electrode, and wherein the first and second distances are not equal in magnitude. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The LCD panel of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second angles are substantially equal in magnitude. 
     
     
       12. The LCD panel of  claim 10 , wherein first distance is greater than the second distance. 
     
     
       13. The LCD panel of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of unit pixels of the pixel array are arranged in rows and columns defined by scanning lines and data lines, respectively. 
     
     
       14. The LCD panel of  claim 13 , wherein each of the first set of unit pixels is coupled to one of a first set of scanning lines and respective data lines, and wherein each of the second set of unit pixels is coupled to one of a second set of scanning lines and respective data lines, wherein the first and second sets of scanning lines are arranged in an alternating manner along the vertical axis of the LCD panel. 
     
     
       15. The LCD panel of  claim 14 , wherein each of the data lines are oriented such that the portions of each data line disposed between adjacent scanning lines are parallel to the electrode strips of directly adjacent unit pixels, such that the data lines generally define a zigzag shape along the vertical length of the LCD panel. 
     
     
       16. The LCD panel of  claim 14 , wherein a general shape defined by the one or more electrode strips of each of the first set of unit pixels and a general shape defined by the one or more electrode strips of each of the second set of unit pixels are asymmetric with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes of the LCD panel. 
     
     
       17. The LCD panel of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more electrode strips of a unit pixel from the first set and the one or more electrode strips of a unit pixel from the second set directly adjacent to the unit pixel from the first set along a common data line are generally symmetric with respect to a horizontal axis therebetween. 
     
     
       18. The LCD panel of  claim 16 , wherein each of the unit pixels from the first set comprises an electrode layer having a shape that is substantially similar to the general shape defined by the electrode strips of each of the first set of unit pixels, wherein each of the unit pixels from the second set comprises an electrode layer have a shape that is substantially similar to the general shape defined by the electrode strips of each of the second set of unit pixels. 
     
     
       19. The LCD panel of  claim 18 , wherein the common electrode layer of a unit pixel from the first set and the common electrode layer of a unit pixel from the second set directly adjacent to the unit pixel from the first set along a common data line is generally symmetric about a horizontal axis therebetween. 
     
     
       20. The LCD panel of  claim 18 , wherein the electrode having the one or more electrode strips is a pixel electrode, and wherein the electrode layer is a common electrode layer. 
     
     
       21. The LCD panel of  claim 20 , wherein each of the unit pixels from the first and second sets of unit pixels comprises an insulating layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode layer. 
     
     
       22. The LCD panel of  claim 21 , wherein the LCD panel comprises a fringe field switching LCD panel. 
     
     
       23. The LCD panel of  claim 10 , comprising a light-opaque matrix disposed over the pixel array and defining a light-transmissive aperture over each of the first and second sets of unit pixels, wherein each light-transmissive aperture comprises vertical edges generally mimicking the shape of the electrode strips within the electrode of a corresponding unit pixel in a substantially parallel manner. 
     
     
       24. The LCD panel of  claim 23 , wherein a first light-transmissive aperture corresponding to a unit pixel from the first set and a second light-transmissive aperture corresponding to a unit pixel from the second set directly adjacent to the unit pixel from the first set along a common data line is generally symmetric with respect to a horizontal axis between the first and second light-transmissive apertures.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to display devices and, more particularly, to liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. 
     Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are commonly used as screens or displays for a wide variety of electronic devices, including such consumer electronics as televisions, computers, and handheld devices (e.g., cellular telephones, audio and video players, gaming systems, and so forth). Such LCD devices typically provide a flat display in a relatively thin package that is suitable for use in a variety of electronic goods. In addition, such LCD devices typically use less power than comparable display technologies, making them suitable for use in battery powered devices or in other contexts were it is desirable to minimize power usage. LCD devices typically include a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix. The unit pixels may be driven by scanning line and data line circuitry to display an image that may be perceived by a user. 
     Conventional unit pixels of fringe-field switching (FFS) LCD display panels may utilize multi-domain or single-domain configurations and may typically include strip-shaped or finger-shaped pixel electrodes. The pixel electrodes are generally controlled by transistors to create electrical fields that allow at least a portion of a light source to pass through a liquid crystal material within the pixels. In conventional single-domain pixel configurations, pixel electrodes are generally arranged parallel to one another such that all the pixel electrodes within the LCD panel are oriented in the same direction. This generally results in the electrical fields generated within a single-domain unit pixel being in the same direction throughout the unit pixel, thereby providing a higher light transmittance rate compared to that of multi-domain pixel configurations. However, conventional single-domain pixel configurations generally offer poorer viewing angles and color shift properties compared to multi-domain configurations. 
     In conventional multi-domain pixel configurations, pixel electrodes within each unit pixel may be oriented in more than one direction. In this manner, the overall viewing angle and color shift properties of the LCD panel may be improved. However, disclinations may result in light-transmissive portions of multi-domain unit pixels due to the differing directions of electrical fields generated within each unit pixel. Such disinclinations are particularly problematic in that they may block a portion of the light transmitted through the pixels, thus reducing the overall transmittance rate of the LCD panel. 
     SUMMARY 
     Certain aspects of embodiments disclosed herein by way of example are summarized below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the various techniques disclosed and/or claimed herein might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of any technique disclosed and/or claimed herein. Indeed, any technique disclosed and/or claimed herein may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below. 
     The present disclosure generally provides for a variety of pixel configurations that may be implemented in the unit pixels of an LCD display device, such as a fringe field switching LCD display panel, to provide for display properties (e.g., viewing angle, color shift, and transmittance) that are generally improved relative to those exhibited by conventional multi-domain designs. In one embodiment, an LCD panel may include unit pixels having undulating electrodes generally defining a wave-like shape along a vertical axis of the LCD panel. In such an embodiment, the LCD panel may also include wave-like data lines, as well as a light-opaque matrix defining light-transmissive apertures over each unit pixel, such that the data lines and the vertical edges of the apertures generally mimic the wake-like shape defined by the undulating electrodes in a parallel manner. In another embodiment, an LCD panel may include unit pixels having electrodes, wherein the electrodes each include two or more electrode strips oriented along the vertical length of the electrode, such that the electrode strips diverge from a first end of the electrode and converge at a second end that is opposite the first end. 
     In a further embodiment, an LCD panel may exhibit reduced off-axis color shift relative to conventional multi-domain designs by utilizing pixels having electrodes that include electrode strips angled in a first direction along a first distance of the vertical length of the electrode and angled in a second direction along a second distance of the vertical length of the electrode, such that the orientation of the electrode for each pixel is asymmetric with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes of the LCD panel. In yet a further embodiment, an LCD panel may exhibit increased aperture ratio and, therefore, enhanced brightness, by utilizing pixels having electrodes that include first and second sets of electrode strips extending from opposing vertical edges of the electrode, such that the first and second sets of electrode strips are generally parallel with each other and arranged in an interleaving manner. As will be discussed in further detail below, the various techniques disclosed herein may provide for improvements with regard to viewing angle, color shift, and transmittance properties of display panels relative to those of conventional multi-domain pixel designs. 
     Various refinements of the features noted above may exist in relation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure alone or in any combination. Again, the brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure without limitation to the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram depicting exemplary components of an electronic device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a handheld electronic device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a computer, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of exemplary layers of a unit pixel of an LCD display panel, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram showing switching and display circuitry that may be used in conjunction with an LCD display panel, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a cutaway cross-sectional side view of a unit pixel of an LCD display panel, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display panel, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display panel, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9A  is a simplified plan view of an electrode arrangement corresponding to a unit pixel, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9B  is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display panel utilizing an electrode arrangement in accordance with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a simplified plan view of electrode arrangements corresponding to two adjacent unit pixels, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10B  is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display panel utilizing electrode arrangements in accordance with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a simplified plan view of an electrode arrangement corresponding to a unit pixel, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11B  is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display panel utilizing an electrode arrangement in accordance with the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     With these foregoing features in mind, a general description of suitable electronic devices using LCD displays that may implement pseudo multi-domain properties in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is provided below. In  FIG. 1 , a block diagram depicting various components that may be present in electronic devices suitable for use with the present techniques is provided. In  FIG. 2 , one example of a suitable electronic device, provided here as a handheld electronic device, is depicted. In  FIG. 3 , another example of a suitable electronic device, provided here as a computer system, is depicted. These types of electronic devices, and other electronic devices providing comparable display capabilities, may be used in conjunction with the present techniques. 
     An example of a suitable electronic device may include various internal and/or external components which contribute to the function of the device.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the components that may be present in such an electronic device  10  and which may allow the device  10  to function in accordance with the techniques discussed herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various functional blocks shown in  FIG. 1  may comprise hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including computer code stored on a computer-readable medium) or a combination of both hardware and software elements. It should further be noted that  FIG. 1  is merely one example of a particular implementation and is merely intended to illustrate the types of components that may be present in a device  10 . For example, in the presently illustrated embodiment, these components may include a display  12 , I/O ports  14 , input structures  16 , one or more processors  18 , a memory device  20 , a non-volatile storage  22 , expansion card(s)  24 , a networking device  26 , and a power source  28 . 
     With regard to each of these components, the display  12  may be used to display various images generated by the device  10 . In one embodiment, the display  12  may be a liquid crystal displays (LCD). For example, the display  12  may be an LCD employing fringe field switching (FFS), in-plane switching (IPS), or other techniques useful in operating such LCD devices. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the electronic device  10 , the display  12  may be provided in conjunction with a touch-sensitive element, such as a touchscreen, that may be used as part of the control interface for the device  10 . 
     The I/O ports  14  may include ports configured to connect to a variety of external devices, such as a power source, headset or headphones, or other electronic devices (such as handheld devices and/or computers, printers, projectors, external displays, modems, docking stations, and so forth). The I/O ports  14  may support any interface type, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a video port, a serial connection port, an IEEE-1394 port, an Ethernet or modem port, and/or an AC/DC power connection port. 
     The input structures  16  may include the various devices, circuitry, and pathways by which user input or feedback is provided to the processor  18 . Such input structures  16  may be configured to control a function of the device  10 , applications running on the device  10 , and/or any interfaces or devices connected to or used by the electronic device  10 . For example, the input structures  16  may allow a user to navigate a displayed user interface or application interface. Examples of the input structures  16  may include buttons, sliders, switches, control pads, keys, knobs, scroll wheels, keyboards, mice, touchpads, and so forth. 
     In certain embodiments, an input structure  16  and display  12  may be provided together, such an in the case of a touchscreen where a touch-sensitive mechanism is provided in conjunction with the display  12 . In such embodiments, the user may select or interact with displayed interface elements via the touch-sensitive mechanism. In this way, the displayed interface may provide interactive functionality, allowing a user to navigate the displayed interface by touching the display  12 . For example, user interaction with the input structures  16 , such as to interact with a user or application interface displayed on the display  12 , may generate electrical signals indicative of the user input. These input signals may be routed via suitable pathways, such as an input hub or data bus, to the one or more processor  18  for further processing. 
     In addition to processing various input signals received via the input structure(s)  16 , the processor(s)  18  may control the general operation of the device  10 . For instance, the processor(s)  18  may provide the processing capability to execute an operating system, programs, user and application interfaces, and any other functions of the electronic device  10 . The processor(s)  18  may include one or more microprocessors, such as one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors and/or application-specific microprocessors (ASICs), or some combination of such processing components. For example, the processor  18  may include one or more instruction set (RISC) processors, as well as graphics processors, video processors, audio processors and/or related chip sets. As will be appreciated, the processor(s)  18  may be coupled to one or more data buses for transferring data and instructions between various components of the device  10 . 
     The instructions or data to be processed by the processor(s)  18  may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a memory  20 . Such a memory  20  may be provided as a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or as a non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), or as a combination of one or more RAM and ROM devices. The memory  20  may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory  20  may store firmware for the electronic device  10 , such as a basic input/output system (BIOS), an operating system, various programs, applications, or any other routines that may be executed on the electronic device  10 , including user interface functions, processor functions, and so forth. In addition, the memory  20  may be used for buffering or caching during operation of the electronic device  10 . 
     In addition to the memory  20 , the device  10  may further include a non-volatile storage  22  for persistent storage of data and/or instructions. The non-volatile storage  22  may include flash memory, a hard drive, or any other optical, magnetic, and/or solid-state storage media, or some combination thereof. The non-volatile storage  22  may be used to store data files such as firmware, data files, software programs and applications, wireless connection information, personal information, user preferences, and any other suitable data. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  may also include one or more card or expansion slots. The card slots may be configured to receive an expansion card  24  that may be used to add functionality, such as additional memory, I/O functionality, or networking capability, to the electronic device  10 . Such an expansion card  24  may connect to the device through any type of suitable connector, and may be accessed internally or external with respect to a housing of the electronic device  10 . For example, in one embodiment, the expansion card  24  may be flash memory card, such as a SecureDigital (SD) card, mini- or microSD, CompactFlash card, Multimedia card (MMC), or the like. Additionally, the expansion card  24  may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, for use with an embodiment of the electronic device  10  that provides mobile phone capability. 
     The components depicted in  FIG. 1  also include a network device  26 , such as a network controller or a network interface card (NIC). In one embodiment, the network device  26  may be a wireless NIC providing wireless connectivity over any 802.11 standard or any other suitable wireless networking standard. The network device  26  may allow the electronic device  10  to communicate over a network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), such as an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network for a 3G data network (e.g., based on the IMT-2000 standard), or the Internet. Additionally, the network device  26  may provide for connectivity to a personal area network, such as a Bluetooth® network, an IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., ZigBee) network, or an ultra wideband network (UWB). In some embodiments, the network device  26  may further provide for close-range communications using a near-field communication (NFC) interface operating in accordance with one or more standards, such as ISO 18092, ISO 21481, or the TransferJet® protocol. 
     As will be understood, the device  10  may use the network device  26  to connect to and send or receive data with any device on a common network, such as portable electronic devices, personal computers, printers, and so forth. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the electronic device  10  may not include a network device  26 . In such an embodiment, a NIC may be added as an expansion card  24  to provide similar networking capability as described above. 
     Further, the components may also include a power source  28 . In one embodiment, the power source  28  may be provided as one or more batteries, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. The battery may be user-removable or may be secured within the housing of the electronic device  10 , and may be rechargeable. Additionally, the power source  28  may include AC power, such as provided by an electrical outlet, and the electronic device  10  may be connected to the power source  28  via a power adapter, which may also be used to recharge one or more batteries if present. 
     With the foregoing in mind,  FIG. 2  illustrates an electronic device  10  in the form of a portable handheld device  30 , provided here as a cellular telephone. It should be understood that while the illustrated device  30  is generally described in the context of a cellular phone, other types of handheld devices may be provided as the handheld device  30 , such as a digital media player for playing music and/or video, a personal data organizer, a gaming platform, to name just a few. Further, various embodiments of the handheld device  30  may incorporate the functionalities of one or more types of devices, such as a cellular phone function, a digital media player, a camera, a portable gaming platform, a personal data organizer, or some combination thereof. Thus, depending on the functionalities provided by the handheld electronic device  30 , a user may listen to music, play video games, take pictures, and place telephone calls, while moving freely with the device  30 . 
     As discussed above with respect to the electronic device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the handheld device  30  may allow a user to connect to and communicate (e.g., using the network device  26 ) through the Internet or through other networks, such as local or wide area networks. For example, the handheld device  30  may allow a user to communicate using e-mail, text messaging, instant messaging, or other forms of electronic communication. In certain embodiments, the handheld device  30  also may communicate with other devices using short-range connection protocols, such as Bluetooth and near field communication (NFC). By way of example only, the handheld device  30  may be a model of an iPod® or an iPhone®, available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the handheld device  30  includes an enclosure  32 , which may function to protect the interior components from physical damage and shield them from electromagnetic interference. The enclosure  32  may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, metal, or a composite material, and may allow certain frequencies of electromagnetic radiation to pass through to wireless communication circuitry within the handheld device  30  to facilitate wireless communication. 
     As shown in the present embodiment, the enclosure  32  includes the user input structures  16  through which a user may interface with the device  30 . For instance, each input structure  16  may be configured to control one or more respective device functions when pressed or actuated. By way of example, in a cellular phone implementation, one or more of the input structures  16  may be configured to invoke a “home” screen or menu to be displayed, to toggle between a sleep, wake, or powered on/off mode, to silence a ringer for a cellular phone application, to increase or decrease a volume output, and so forth. It should be understood that the illustrated input structures  16  are merely exemplary, and that the handheld electronic device  30  may include any number of suitable user input structures existing in various forms including buttons, switches, control pads, keys, knobs, scroll wheels, and so forth, depending on specific implementation goals and/or requirements. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld device  30  includes the above-discussed display  12  in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD)  34 . The LCD  34  may display various images generated by the handheld device  30 . For example, the LCD  34  may display various system indicators  36  that provide feedback to a user with regard to one or more states of the handheld device  30 , such as power status, signal strength, cell status, external device connections, and so forth. 
     The LCD  34  may also be configured to display a graphical user interface (“GUI”)  38  that allows a user to interact with the handheld device  30 . The GUI  38  may include various layers, windows, screens, templates, or other graphical elements that may be displayed in all, or a portion, of the LCD  34 . Generally, the GUI  38  may include graphical elements that represent applications and functions of the electronic device. The graphical elements may include icons  40  and other images representing buttons, sliders, menu bars, and the like. The icons  40  may correspond to various applications of the electronic device that may open or execute upon detecting a user selection of a respective icon  40 . In some embodiments, the selection of an icon  40  may lead to a hierarchical navigation process, such that selection of an icon  40  leads to a screen that includes one or more additional icons or other GUI elements. As will be appreciated, the icons  40  may be selected via a touchscreen included in the display  12 , or may be selected by a user input structure  16 , such as a wheel or button. 
     The handheld electronic device  30  additionally includes various input and output (I/O) ports  14  that allow connection of the handheld device  30  to one or more external devices. For example, one I/O port  14  may be a port that allows the transmission and reception of data or commands between the handheld electronic device  30  and another electronic device, such as a computer system. In some embodiments, certain I/O ports  14  may be have dual functions depending, for example, on the external component being coupled to the handheld device  30  via the I/O port  14 . For instance, in addition to providing for the transmission of reception of data when connected to another electronic device, certain I/O ports  14  may also charge a battery (power source  28 ) of the handheld device  30  when coupled to a power adaptor configured to draw/provide power from an external power source, such as an electrical wall outlet. Such an I/O port  14  may be a proprietary port from Apple Inc. or may be an open standard I/O port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port. 
     In addition to handheld devices  30 , such as the depicted cellular telephone of  FIG. 2 , an electronic device  10 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may also take the form of a computer or other type of electronic device. For instance, such computers may include computers that are generally portable (such as laptop, notebook, and tablet computers) as well as computers that are generally non-portable (such as conventional desktop computers, workstations and/or servers). In certain embodiments, the electronic device  10  in the form of a computer may be a model of a MacBook®, MacBook® Pro, MacBook Air®, iMac®, Mac® mini, or PowerBook® available from Apple Inc. By way of example, an electronic device  10  in the form of a laptop computer  50  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depicted computer  50  includes a housing  52 , the display  12  (such as the depicted LCD  34  of  FIG. 2 ), the input structures  16 , and the I/O ports  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the input structures  16  may include a keyboard, a touchpad, as well as various other buttons and/or switches which may be used to interact with the computer  50 , such as to power on or start the computer, to operate a GUI or an application running on the computer  50 , as well as adjust various other aspects relating to operation of the computer  50  (e.g., sound volume, display brightness, etc.). For example, a keyboard and/or a touchpad may allow a user to navigate a user interface (e.g., GUI) or an application interface displayed on the LCD  34 . 
     As shown in the present figure, the electronic device  10  in the form of the computer  50  may also include various I/O ports  14  that provide for connectivity to additional devices. For instance, the computer  50  may include an I/O port  14 , such as a USB port, a FireWire® (IEEE 1394) port, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, or any other type of port that is suitable for connecting to an external device, such as another computer or handheld device, a projector, a supplemental display, an external storage device, or so forth. Additionally, the computer  50  may include network connectivity (e.g., network device  26 ), memory (e.g., memory  20 ), and storage capabilities (e.g., storage device  22 ), as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Thus, the computer  50  may store and execute a GUI and various other applications. 
     With the foregoing discussion in mind, it may be appreciated that an electronic device  10  in either the form of a handheld device  30  ( FIG. 2 ) or a computer  50  ( FIG. 3 ) may be provided with a display device  10  in the form of an LCD  34 . As discussed above, an LCD  34  may be utilized for displayed respective operating system and/or application graphical user interfaces running on the electronic device  10  and/or for displaying various data files, including textual, image, video data, or any other type of visual output data that may be associated with the operation of the electronic device  10 . 
     In embodiments in which the electronic device  10  includes an LCD  34 , the LCD  34  may typically include an array or matrix of picture elements (i.e., pixels). In operation, the LCD  34  generally operates to modulate the transmittance of light through each pixel by controlling the orientation of liquid crystal disposed at each pixel such that the amount of emitted or reflected light emitted by each pixel is controlled. In general, the orientation of the liquid crystals is controlled by a varying electric field associated with each respective pixel, with the liquid crystals being oriented at any given instant by the properties (e.g., strength, shape, and so forth) of the applied electric field. 
     As can be appreciated, different types of LCDs may employ different techniques for manipulating these electrical fields and/or the liquid crystals. For example, certain LCDs may employ transverse electric field modes in which the liquid crystals are oriented by applying an in-plane electrical field to a layer of the liquid crystals. Example of such techniques include in-plane switching (IPS) and fringe field switching (FFS) techniques, which differ in the type of electrode arrangement employed to generate the respective electrical fields. 
     While control of the orientation of the liquid crystals in such displays may be sufficient to modulate the amount of light emitted by a pixel, color filters may also be associated with each pixel within the LCD  34  to allow specific colors of light to be emitted by each pixel. For example, in embodiments where the LCD  34  is a color display, each pixel of a group of pixels may correspond to a different primary color. For example, in one embodiment, a group of pixels may include a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel, each associated with an appropriately colored filter element. The intensity of light allowed to pass through each pixel (e.g., by modulation of the corresponding liquid crystals), and its combination with the light emitted from other adjacent pixels, determines what color or colors are perceived by a user viewing the display. As the viewable colors are formed from individual color components (e.g., red, green, and blue) provided by the one or a combination of colored pixels, each of the colored pixels themselves may also be referred to herein as “pixels” or “unit pixels” or the like. 
     With the foregoing in mind, and referring once again to the figures,  FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view showing different layers that may be implemented in a unit pixel of an LCD  34 . The pixel, referred to herein by the reference number  60 , includes an upper polarizing layer  62  and a lower polarizing layer  64  that polarize light emitted by a light source  66 , which may be provided as a backlight assembly unit or a light-reflective surface. In embodiments where the light source  66  is a backlight assembly unit, any type of suitable lighting device, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), hot cathode fluorescent lamps (HCFLs), and/or light emitting diodes (LEDs), may be utilize to provide lighting. 
     As shown in the present embodiment, a lower substrate  68  is disposed above the lower polarizing layer  64 . The lower substrate  68  is generally formed from a light-transparent material, such as glass, quartz, and/or plastic. A thin film transistor (TFT) layer  70  is depicted as being disposed above the lower substrate  68 . For simplicity of illustration, the TFT layer  70  is depicted as a generalized structure in  FIG. 4 . In practice, the TFT layer  70  may itself include various conductive, non-conductive, and semiconductive layers and structures which generally form the electrical devices and pathways which drive operation of the unit pixel  60 . For example, in an embodiment in which the pixel  60  is part of an FFS LCD panel, the TFT layer  70  may include the respective data lines (also referred to as “source lines”), scanning lines (also referred to as “gate lines”), pixel electrodes, and common electrodes (as well as other conductive traces and structures) of the pixel  60 . Such conductive structures may, in light-transmissive portions of the pixel  60 , be formed using transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The TFT layer  70  may further include insulating layers (such as a gate insulating film) formed from suitable transparent materials (such as silicon oxide) and semiconductive layers formed from suitable semiconductor materials (such as amorphous silicon). In general, the respective conductive structures and traces, insulating structures, and semiconductor structures may be suitably disposed to form the respective pixel electrodes and common electrodes, a TFT, and the respective data and scanning lines used to operate the unit pixel  60 , as described in further detail below with regard to  FIG. 5 . In the depicted embodiment, a lower alignment layer  71 , which may be formed from polyimide or other suitable materials, may be disposed between the TFT layer  70  and a liquid crystal layer  72 . 
     The liquid crystal layer  72  may include liquid crystal molecules suspended in a fluid or embedded in polymer networks. The liquid crystal molecules may be oriented or aligned with respect to an electrical field generated by the TFT layer  70 . In practice, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer  72  determines the amount of light (e.g., provided by the light source  66 ) that is transmitted through the pixel  60 . Thus, by modulation of the electrical field applied to the liquid crystal layer  72 , the amount of light transmitted though the pixel  60  may be correspondingly modulated. 
     Disposed on the side of the liquid crystal layer  72  opposite from the TFT layer  70  may be one or more upper alignment and/or overcoating layers  74  interfacing between the liquid crystal layer  72  and an overlying color filter  76 . The color filter  76 , in certain embodiments, may be a red, green, or blue filter, such that each unit pixel  60  of the LCD  34  corresponds to a primary color when light is transmitted from the light source  66  through the liquid crystal layer  72  and the color filter  76 . 
     The color filter  76  may be surrounded by a light-opaque mask or matrix  78 , commonly referred to as a “black mask,” which circumscribes the light-transmissive portion of the unit pixel  60 . For example, in certain embodiments, the black mask  78  may be sized and shaped to define a light-transmissive aperture over the liquid crystal layer  72  and around the color filter  76  and to cover or mask portions of the unit pixel  60  that do not transmit light, such as the scanning line and data line driving circuitry, the TFT, and the periphery of the pixel  60 . Further, in addition to defining the light-transmissive aperture, the black mask  78  may serve to prevent light transmitted through the aperture and color filter  76  from diffusing or “bleeding” into adjacent unit pixels. 
     In the depicted embodiment, an upper substrate  80  may be further disposed between the color filter  76  (including the black mask  78 ) and the upper polarizing layer  64 . In such an embodiment, the upper substrate may be formed from light-transmissive glass, quartz, and/or plastic. 
     Continuing now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic circuit representation of pixel driving circuitry found in an LCD  34  is shown. For example, such circuitry as depicted in  FIG. 5  may be embodied in the TFT layer  70  described above with respect to  FIG. 4 . As depicted, a plurality of unit pixels  60 , each of which may be formed in accordance with the unit pixel  60  shown in  FIG. 4 , may be disposed in a pixel array or matrix defining a plurality of rows and columns of unit pixels that collectively form an image display region of an LCD  34 . In such an array, each unit pixel  60  may be defined by the intersection of rows and columns, which may be defined by the illustrated data (or “source”) lines  100  and scanning (or “gate”) lines  102 , respectively. 
     Although only six unit pixels, referred to individually by the reference numbers  60   a - 60   f , respectively, are shown in the present example for purposes of simplicity, it should be understood that in an actual LCD implementation, each data line  100  and scanning line  102  may include hundreds or even thousands of unit pixels. By way of example, in a color LCD panel  34  having a display resolution of 1024×768, each data line  100 , which may define a column of the pixel array, may include  768  unit pixels, while each scanning line  102 , which may define a row of the pixel array, may include  1024  groups of pixels, wherein each group has a red, blue, and green pixel, thus totaling  3072  unit pixels per scanning line  102 . In the present illustration, the group of unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  may represent a group of pixels having a red pixel ( 60   a ), a blue pixel ( 60   b ), and a green pixel ( 60   c ). The group of unit pixels  60   d - 60   f  may be arranged in a similar manner. 
     As shown in the present figure, each unit pixel  60  includes a pixel electrode  110  and thin film transistor (TFT)  112  for switching the pixel electrode  110 . In the depicted embodiment, the source  114  of each TFT  112  is electrically connected to a data line  100 , extending from respective data line driving circuitry  120 . Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the gate  122  of each TFT  112  is electrically connected to a scanning or gate line  102 , extending from respective scanning line driving circuitry  124 . In the depicted embodiment, the pixel electrode  110  is electrically connected to a drain  128  of the respective TFT  112 . 
     In one embodiment, the data line driving circuitry  120  may send image signals to the pixels  60  by way of the respective data lines  100 . Such image signals may be applied by line-sequence. That is, the data lines  100  (defining columns) may be sequentially activated during operation of the LCD  34 . The scanning lines  102  (defining rows) may apply scanning signals from the scanning line driving circuitry  124  to the respective gates  122  of each TFT  112  to which the respective scanning lines  102  are connected. Such scanning signals may be applied by line-sequence with a predetermined timing and/or in a pulsed manner. 
     Each TFT  112  serves as a switching element which may be activated and deactivated (e.g., turned on and off) for a predetermined period based upon the respective presence or absence of a scanning signal at the gate  122  of the TFT  112 . When activated, a TFT  112  may store the image signals received via a respective data line  100  as a charge in the pixel electrode  110  with a predetermined timing. The image signals stored by the pixel electrode  110  may be used to generate an electrical field between the respective pixel electrode  110  and a common electrode (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). Such an electrical field may align liquid crystals molecules within the liquid crystal layer  72  ( FIG. 4 ) to modulate light transmission through the liquid crystal layer  72 . In some embodiments, a storage capacitor (not shown) may also be provided in parallel to the liquid crystal capacitor formed between the pixel electrode  110  and the common electrode to prevent leakage of the stored image signal by the pixel electrode  110 . For example, such a storage capacitor may be provided between the drain  128  of the respective TFT  112  and a separate capacitor line. 
     The operation of the unit pixel  60  and, particularly, the arrangement of the pixel electrodes  110  and the common electrodes discussed in  FIG. 5  may be better understood with respect to  FIG. 6 , which illustrates the operation of the unit pixel  60  via a cutaway cross-sectional side view. As shown, the view of the unit pixel  60  in  FIG. 6  includes the layers generally described above with reference to  FIG. 4 , including the upper polarizing layer  62 , lower polarizing layer  64 , lower substrate  68 , TFT layer  70 , liquid crystal layer  72 , alignment layers  71  and  74 , color filter  76 , and upper substrate  80 . 
     As mentioned above, the TFT layer  70 , which was depicted as a generalized structure in  FIG. 4 , may include various conductive, non-conductive, and/or semiconductive layers and structures defining electrical devices and pathways for driving the operation of the pixel  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, the TFT layer  70  is shown in the context of a fringe field switching (FFS) LCD display device and includes the pixel electrode  110 , an insulating layer  132 , and a common electrode layer  134 . The common electrode layer  134  is disposed above the lower substrate  68 , and the insulation layer  132  is disposed between the pixel electrode  110  and the common electrode  134 . 
     The pixel electrodes  110  and the common electrode layer  134  may be made of a transparent conductive material, such as ITO or IZO, for example. The common electrode layer  134  generally covers the surface of each unit pixel  60 , and may be connected to a common line (not shown), which may be parallel to a scanning line  102  to which the illustrated unit pixel  60  is connected. The pixel electrode  110  may be formed as having a plurality of slit-like voids  138 , such that the portions of the pixel electrode  110  between each of the slits  138  define one or more electrode “strip-like” or “finger-like” shapes, referred to in  FIG. 6  by the reference numbers  140   a - 140   c , that generally lie within a plane of the unit pixel  60  defined by the x-axis and y-axis (x-y plane), as depicted by the reference axes shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in the present figure, portions of the lower alignment layer  71  may at least partially protrude into the region defined by the slits  138 . In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, which will be discussed in further detail below with regard to  FIGS. 7-11B , the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  of the pixel electrode  110  may be arranged in various multi-domain configurations so as to provide for improved viewing angle and color shift properties, as well as to provide for improved transmittance rates relative to those of conventional multi-domain configurations. 
     In accordance with FFS LCD operating principles, the liquid crystal molecules  136  within the liquid crystal layer  72  may have a “default” orientation in a first direction based upon the configuration of the lower  71  and upper alignment layers  74 . When a voltage is applied to the unit pixel  60 , an electrical field is formed between the pixel electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  (of the pixel electrode  110 ) and the common electrode layer  134 . As discussed above, the electrical field (referred to herein by the reference label E) controls the orientation of liquid crystal molecules  136  within the liquid crystal layer  72 , such that the orientation changes with respect to the default orientation, thereby allowing at least a portion of the light transmitted from the light source  66  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) to be transmitted through the pixel  60 . Thus, by modulating the electrical field E, the light provided by the light source  66  and transmitted through the unit pixel  60 , as indicated by the reference label T, may be controlled. In this manner, image data sent along the data lines  100  and scanning lines  102  may be perceived by a user viewing the LCD  34  as an image. 
     Before continuing, it should be understood that the electrodes  110  (including electrode strips  140   a - 140   c ) and electrode layer  134  of the depicted FFS LCD panel may also be implemented in an opposite manner depending on how the FFS LCD panel  34  is constructed. That is, in certain embodiments, the electrodes  110  may function as common electrodes and the electrode layer  134  may function as a pixel electrode. Thus, while the following discussion with respect to  FIGS. 7-11B  will describe various aspects of the present technique as being implemented with respect to the pixel electrodes of unit pixels, it should be appreciated that the presently described techniques may also be applied where the electrodes  110  function as common electrodes. 
     As discussed above, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide for unit pixels  60  having pixel electrodes  110  arranged to provide a multi-domain configuration resulting in improved viewing angle and color shift properties, as well as providing for improved transmittance rates over conventional multi-domain pixel designs. For instance, referring now to  FIG. 7 , a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD panel  34  in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Particularly, the portion of the LCD panel  34  illustrated in  FIG. 7  includes the unit pixels  60   a - 60   f  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 , as well as the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h . In the depicted embodiment, two scanning lines  102   a  and  102   b , which are generally parallel to a horizontal axis (x-axis), and three data lines  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c , which are generally parallel to a vertical axis (y-axis) are shown. The unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  are each coupled to the scanning line  102   a  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c . Similarly, the unit pixels  60   d - 60   f  are each coupled to the scanning line  102   b  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c . As discussed above, where the LCD  34  is a color display, each group of unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  and  60   d - 60   f  may represent a group of unit pixels having a red, blue, and green unit pixel. The unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h  are also coupled to the scanning lines  102   a  and  102   b , respectively, as well as an additional common data line (not shown). 
     As mentioned above, each unit pixel  60  is generally defined by the intersection of a data line  100  and a scanning line  102 . Particularly, the intersection of a data line  100  and a scanning line  102  defines a TFT  112  which, when switched on, serves to apply a voltage from the data line  100  to liquid crystal molecules  136  ( FIG. 6 ) within a corresponding unit pixel  60  or to remove the applied voltage when switched off. 
     As shown in the depicted embodiment, the pixel electrodes  110  of each of the illustrated pixels  60   a - 60   h  include the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  arranged in an undulating wave-like manner, such that each of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  oscillates with respect to the vertical axis (y-axis) to form a generally wavy or wave-like shape along the vertical axis of the LCD  34 . That is, if the vertical axis were to be aligned directly over an electrode strip ( 140   a - 140   c ), the curve defined by the wavy electrode strip oscillates to periodically traverse both sides of the vertical axis, in a manner similar to a sine wave. 
     Although the wave-like configuration of the pixel electrode  110  shown in the present embodiment may exhibit electrical fields that differ in direction throughout the unit pixel  60 , the changes in the electrical field directions are generally less abrupt and more gradual compared to conventional multi-domain pixel designs. As such, disclinations that may occur within the light-transmissive region of the unit pixel  60  due to interference between electrical fields in different domains may be eliminated or rendered less noticeable. As will be appreciated, such properties may provide for increased transmittance while retaining the viewing angle and color shift properties typical of conventional multi-domain designs. 
     Additionally, referring to the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h , a black mask  78  element is illustrated. As discussed above, the black mask  78 , which may be formed from a light-opaque material, may define a light-transmissive aperture over the liquid crystal layer  72  for each of the unit pixels, and may cover or mask portions of the unit pixel  60  that do not transmit light, such as the TFT  112  and the scanning/data line circuitry. In some embodiments, the black mask  78  may also serve to at least partially mask disclinations that may occur due to interference between electrical fields (E) occurring in multiple domains within a unit pixel. For illustrative purposes, the black mask  78  in  FIG. 7  is only shown as covering the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h . In practice, it should be appreciated that the black mask  78  may form a matrix over all the unit pixels within an LCD  34 . 
     As shown in the present embodiment, the vertical edges  144   g  and  144   h  of the apertures corresponding to the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h , respectively, are substantially parallel with both the y-axis and the data lines  100   a - 100   c . That is, the vertical edges  144   g  and  144   h  of the apertures of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  are substantially linear and parallel to the vertical axis (y-axis) of the LCD panel  34  and, thus, do not mimic the wave-like shape defined by the undulating electrode strips  140   a - 140   c . Also as discussed above, a color filter  76 , which may be a red, green, or blue filter, may be provided within each defined aperture such that each unit pixel  60  corresponds to a particular primary color when light is transmitted therethrough. For instance, the color filters  76   g  and  76   h  corresponding to the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h , respectively, may correspond to one of a red, blue or green filter. 
     Before continuing, it should be noted that each of the wavy electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  shown in the present embodiment, are illustrated as being generally uniformly spaced apart from each other and as having a generally constant period of oscillation along the vertical axis. However, it should be understood that in alternate embodiments, both the period of oscillation along the vertical axis and the spacing between each of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  may vary and/or be non-uniform. 
     Continuing to  FIG. 8 , a further embodiment of an LCD panel  34  is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the LCD panel  34  of  FIG. 8  includes unit pixels  60   a - 60   h  having pixel electrodes with electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  arranged in an oscillating wave-like manner similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . Further, the data lines  100   a - 100   c  in the present embodiment are arranged to have an oscillating wave-like configuration along the vertical axis, such that they are generally mimic the shape of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  of the unit pixels  60   a - 60   h . That is, the data lines  100   a - 100   c  are not linear and parallel to the vertical axis (as was shown in  FIG. 7 ), but instead generally follows the curve defined by the wave-shaped electrode strips  140   a - 140   c , such that both vertical edges  142   a  and  142   b  of the data lines (e.g.,  100   a ) mimic the wave-like shape of the electrodes strips  140   a - 140   c  in a parallel manner. As used herein, the phrase “mimic in a generally parallel manner” or the like shall be understood to refer to an arrangement in which two structures (e.g., the electrode strip  140   c  and the data line  100   a ) have substantially identically shaped edges and are arranged in a generally parallel manner such that corresponding points along the edges of each structure are generally equidistant. For instance, as shown in the present figure, the data line  100   a  has a wave-like shape that mimics the undulating electrode strip  140   c  of the unit pixel  60   a , such that the edge  142   a  of the data line  100   a  is substantially equidistant from the electrode strip  140   c  at all points along the vertical length of the unit pixel  60   a.    
     The present embodiment also provides for a black mask element  78  that defines apertures  76   g  and  76   h  which have vertical edges  144   g  and  144   h , respectively, that also mimic the wave-like shape of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  in a generally parallel manner similar to the arrangement of the data lines  100   a - 100   c  (as opposed to being parallel to the vertical axis as shown in  FIG. 7 ). As will be appreciated, an LCD panel  34  utilizing wave-like electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  in conjunction with the generally parallel wave-like data line  100   a - 100   c  and apertures having generally parallel wave-like vertical edges ( 144   g  and  144   h ), as shown in  FIG. 8 , may provide for a higher transmittance rate relative to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9A , a further embodiment of a pixel electrode  110  configuration is depicted by way of a simplified plan view. As shown, the pixel electrode  110  includes the electrodes  140   a - 140   d  defined by the slits  138 . The pixel electrode  110  may have a length L along the vertical axis (y-axis of the illustrated reference axes) generally defined by first and second opposing ends, referred to by the reference numbers  146  and  148 , respectively, between which the electrode strips  140   a - 140   d  diverge and converge with respect to the vertical axis. For instance, the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  may extend from the first end  146  of the electrode  110  and diverge with respect to the vertical axis by the angles α and β, respectively, along a first length L 1  of the electrode  110 . Though shown as being generally equal in magnitude, it should be appreciated that the angles α and β may have different magnitudes in other embodiments. 
     As shown in the present embodiment, the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  may diverge by the angles α and β generally along vertical length L of the electrode until an intermediate point, depicted here as the end of the first length L 1  referred to by the reference number  145 . From the intermediate point  145 , the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  may begin to converge via the angles α and β, respectively, along a second length L 2  of electrode  110 , such that the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  eventually meet and adjoin at the second end  148  of the pixel electrode  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lengths L 1  and L 2  are shown as being generally equal, though it should be understood that the lengths L 1  and L 2  may not be equal in alternate embodiments. In such embodiments, the angles at which the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  converge (along L 2 ) may not be equal in magnitude to the angles α and β. For instance, if L 2  is greater than L 1 , the angles at which each of the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  converge may be lesser in magnitude relative to the angles α and β, respectively. Similarly, if L 2  is less than L 1 , the angles at which each of the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  converge may be greater in magnitude relative to the angles α and β, respectively. 
     The pixel electrode  110  in the present embodiment also includes the electrode strips  140   c  and  140   d  which are adjacent to the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b , respectively. The electrode strips  140   c  and  140   d  generally mimic the diverging/converging shape defined by the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b , respectively, in a parallel manner along the lengths L 1  and L 2 . That is, the electrode strips  140   c  and  140   d  may diverge from the first end  146  of the pixel electrode  110  at the angles α and β, respectively, along the length L 1 , and converge at the second end  148  along the length L 2  in a manner similar to the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 9B , a detailed plan view of an LCD panel  34  having unit pixels  60   a - 60   h  utilizing the pixel electrode configuration shown in  FIG. 9A  is illustrated. As shown, the LCD  34  of  FIG. 9B  includes the scanning lines  102   a  and  102   b , which are generally parallel to a horizontal axis (x-axis), and data lines  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c , which are generally parallel to a vertical axis (y-axis). As discussed above, the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  are each coupled to the scanning line  102   a  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c , and may define a group of unit pixels having a red, blue, and green unit pixel. Similarly, the unit pixels  60   d - 60   f , which may also define a red, blue, and green pixel group, are coupled to the adjacent scanning line  102   b  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c.    
     The LCD panel  34  of  FIG. 9B  may also include the black mask  78  discussed above, which may define light-transmissive apertures, as shown over the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h . A light-transmissive aperture may have vertical edges  144   g  generally parallel to the vertical axis and the data lines  100   a - 100   c , as shown with respect to the unit pixel  60   g  and discussed above with reference to  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, the light-transmissive apertures defined by the black mask  78  may include vertical edges that are not parallel (e.g., not linear) to the vertical axis, but instead mimic the shape of the diverging/converging electrode arrangement shown in  FIG. 9A  in a parallel manner. For instance, referring to the unit pixel  60   h , a first vertical edge  144   h   1  that mimics the diverging/converging shape of the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   c  in a substantially parallel manner may be formed on a first side of the aperture, and a second vertical edge  144   h   2  that mimics the diverging/converging shape of the electrode strips  140   b  and  140   d  in a substantially parallel manner may be formed on a second side of the aperture (opposite the first side). As will be appreciated, an LCD panel  34  utilizing the pixel electrode configuration of  FIG. 9A  and a black mask  78  defining apertures having vertical edges similar to the edges  144   h   1  and  144   h   2  may provide for a higher transmittance rate compared to a similar LCD panel  34  utilizing apertures having vertical edges (e.g.,  144   g ) parallel to the vertical axis. 
     Continuing now to  FIG. 10A , simplified plan views depicting pixel electrode configurations  110   a  and  110   b , which may correspond to adjacent unit pixels, are illustrated in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, each of the pixel electrodes  110   a  and  110   b  may be arranged in a multiple-domain configuration as having electrode strips that are angled such that the pixel electrodes  110   a  and  110   b  are asymmetric with respect to both the horizontal axis (x-axis) and the vertical axis (y-axis). For instance, the pixel electrode  110   a , which may have a vertical length L, may include the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  extending along the length L from a first end (“transistor end”) of the electrode  110   a  having an electrode portion  150  adapted to couple to the TFT  112 . As shown, the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  may be generally parallel to each other, and may extend along a first length L 1  of the pixel electrode  110   a  at an angle having a magnitude y with respect to the vertical axis in a first angular direction (e.g., negative direction with respect to the x-axis) until the intermediate point labeled by the reference number  151   a . At the intermediate point  151   a , the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  may continue along the length L 2  in a second angular direction opposite the first angular direction (e.g., positive direction with respect to the x-axis) at an angle having a magnitude δ with respect to the vertical axis, wherein the length L 2  is less than the length L 1 , thus providing for the asymmetric configuration. In the present embodiment, the angles γ and δ may be generally equal in magnitude, though it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the angles γ and δ may have different magnitudes. 
     Additionally, the pixel electrode  110   b  is shown in the present figure as having an arrangement similar to the pixel electrode  110   a , but in a complementary manner. For instance, the pixel electrode  110   b  may include the electrode strips  140   d - 140   f  that extend from the transistor end  150  of the electrode  110   b  along the length L 2  in the first angular direction at an angle having a magnitude δ with respect to the vertical axis. Upon reaching an intermediate point  151   b , the electrode strips  140   d - 140   f  may continue along the length L 1  in the second angular direction at an angle having a magnitude γ with respect to the vertical axis. 
     The presently illustrated pixel electrode configurations  110   a  and  110   b  of  FIG. 10A  may be implemented in an LCD panel  34  in an alternating manner such that every other row (defined by scanning lines  102 ) includes unit pixels having the pixel electrode configuration  110   a  and such that every other complementary row includes unit pixels having the pixel electrode configuration  110   b . For instance, such an embodiment is illustrated in further detail with respect to  FIG. 10B . As shown in  FIG. 10B , the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c , which are each coupled to the scanning line  102   a  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c , may define a row of unit pixels each including the pixel electrode configuration  110   a  having the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  arranged in the manner described in  FIG. 10A . The unit pixels  60   d - 60   f , which are each coupled to the scanning line  102   b  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c , may similarly define an adjacent row or unit pixels each including the pixel electrode configuration  110   b  having the electrode strips  140   d - 140   f.    
     The data lines  100   a - 100   c  may be oriented such that the portions of each data line ( 100   a - 100   c ) between adjacent scanning lines mimic the shape defined by pixel electrode strips of directly adjacent unit pixels in a substantially parallel manner. For instance, the portion of the data line  100   a  between the scanning lines  102   a  and  102   b  generally mimics the shape of the electrode strips  140   d - 140   f  (of unit pixel  60   d ), and the portion of the data line  100   a  between the scanning line  102   a  and a directly adjacent scanning line (not shown) on the side opposite the scanning line  102   b  generally mimics the shape of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  (of unit pixel  60   a ). In this manner, the data lines  100   a - 100   c  may each define a generally zigzag shape that mimics the shape of adjacent electrode strips ( 140   a - 140   f ) in a parallel manner along the vertical length of the LCD panel  34 . 
     Additionally, the unit pixels  60   a - 60   h  shown in  FIG. 10B  may each include a common electrode layer  134  that generally conforms with the shape defined by the respective pixel electrode arrangement ( 110   a  or  110   b ) for each unit pixel  60   a - 60   h . For example, the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c , each of which includes the pixel electrode  110   a , may further include the common electrode layer, shown by the reference number  134   a . Similarly, the unit pixels  60   d - 60   f , which each include the pixel electrode  110   b , may each include the common electrode layer  134   b . Again, it should also be noted that the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  and the unit pixels  60   d - 60   f  may each define a groups of three unit pixels having a red, blue, and green unit pixel. 
     The LCD panel  34  of  FIG. 10B  further illustrates an embodiment of the black mask  78  element that may be used in conjunction with the unit pixels  60   a - 60   h  having the pixel electrode configurations  110   a  and  110   b . The illustrated black mask  78  may define light-transmissive apertures over each unit pixel of a LCD panel  34 , such that each aperture has vertical edges (with respect to the y-axis) that generally mimics the shape of corresponding electrodes strips (either  140   a - 140   c  or  140   d - 140   f ) in a substantially parallel manner within a respective unit pixel. For instance, the aperture shown over the unit pixel  60   g , which is coupled to the scanning line  102   a , may include the vertical edges  144   g  that generally mimic the shape of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  of the pixel electrode  110   a  in a substantially parallel manner, such that the vertical edges  144   g  are generally equidistance from each of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  of the unit pixel  60   g  at each point along the vertical length of the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  that are exposed via the aperture. Similarly, the aperture shown over the unit pixel  60   h , which is coupled to the scanning line  102   b , may include the vertical edges  144   h , which are generally mimic the shape of the electrode strips  140   d - 140   f  of the pixel electrode  110   b  in a substantially parallel manner. 
     As discussed above, the pixel electrodes  110   a  and  110   b  may, individually, be asymmetric with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes. When arranged in an alternating manner by scanning lines, as shown in  FIG. 10B , the electrode strips  140   a - 140   c  of the pixel electrodes  110   a  may generally be symmetrical to the electrode strips  140   d - 140   f  of the pixel electrodes  110   b  about a horizontal axis defined by the scanning line  102   a . Similarly, the common electrode layers  134   a  (corresponding to the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c ) and  134   b  (corresponding to the unit pixels  60   d - 60   f ), as well as the apertures over the unit pixels  60   g  and  60   h  (defined by the black mask  78 ), in the presently illustrated arrangement, may also be generally symmetrical about the scanning line  102   a . As will be appreciated, an LCD panel  34  utilizing a pixel array having the pixel electrode configurations  110   a  and  110   b  and respective apertures defined by vertical edges  144   g  and  144   h , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 10B , may provide for improved transmittance rates and/or reduced off-axis color shift compared to that conventional multi-domain designs. 
     Continuing now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a further embodiment of a LCD panel  34  is illustrated. Referring first to  FIG. 11A , a simplified plan view of a pixel electrode, referred to by the reference number  110   c , is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The electrode  110   c  may include vertical edge portions  152  and  154  which extend along the vertical length L (with respect to the y-axis) on opposite sides of the electrode  110   c . The electrode  110   c  additionally includes a dividing electrode portion  156 , which may define a lower and upper portion of the pixel electrode  110   c , referred to here by the reference numbers  158  and  160 , respectively. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the dividing electrode portion  156  extends from a single vertical edge portion (here  154 ), and may be disposed generally at the midpoint of the length L, such that that vertical length of the lower portion  158  is generally equivalent to the vertical length of the upper portion  160 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the dividing electrode portion  156  may extend from the opposing vertical edge (e.g.,  152 ) or from both vertical edges (e.g.,  152  and  154 ), and/or may define lower  158  and upper portions  160  that differ in vertical length. 
     Each of the lower portion  158  and the upper portion  160  of the electrode  110   c  may include interleaving sets of electrode strips extending from each of the vertical edge portions  152  and  154 . For instance, the lower portion  158  may include a first set of electrode strips  140   a  extending from the vertical edge  152 , and a second set of electrode strips  140   b  extending from the opposing vertical edge  154 , such that the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  are generally parallel to each other and form an interleaving arrangement. In the present embodiment, the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  may extend from their respective vertical edges  152  and  154  at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis (x-axis), but in opposite angular directions. For example, the electrode strips  140   a  may extend from the vertical edge  152  at an angle having a magnitude ε with respect to the horizontal axis and in a first angular direction (e.g., positive direction with respect to the y-axis). The electrode strips  140   b  may extend from the opposing vertical edge  154  at an angle having the magnitude ε with respect to the horizontal axis, but in a second angular direction opposite the first angular direction (e.g., negative direction with respect to the y-axis). 
     Referring to the upper portion  160 , a similar interleaving arrangement may be formed by the electrode strips  140   c  extending from the vertical edge  152  and the electrode strips  140   d  extending from the opposing vertical edge  154 . As shown, the electrode strips  140   c  and  140   d  are generally parallel to each other, but not parallel to the electrode strips  140   a  and  140   b  of the lower portion  158 . In the present embodiment, each of the electrode strip sets  140   c  and  140   d  extend from their respective vertical edges  152  and  154  at an angle having the magnitude ε, but in angular directions opposite from the electrode strip sets  140   a  and  140   b , respectively. For instance, the electrode strips  140   c  may extend from the edge  152  to form an angle with respect to the horizontal axis in the second angular direction (e.g., negative with respect to the y-axis, as defined above), whereas the electrode strips  140   d  may extend from the edge  154  to form an angle with respect to the horizontal axis, but in the first angular direction (e.g., positive with respect to the y-axis, as defined above). Additionally, while each of the electrode strip sets  140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c , and  140   d  are illustrated in  FIG. 11A  as generally having equivalent lengths and spaced uniformly apart from each other, it should be understood that in further embodiments, the electrodes  140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c , and  140   d  may have differing lengths and/or may be spaced non-uniformly with respect to each other. 
     An LCD panel  34  having unit pixels utilizing the pixel electrode configuration  110   c  is illustrated in  FIG. 11B  by way of a detailed plan view. As shown, the illustrated portion of the LCD panel  34  in  FIG. 11B  includes the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  coupled to the scanning line  102   a  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c , as well as the unit pixels  60   d - 60   f  coupled to the adjacent scanning line  102   b  and respective data lines  100   a - 100   c . Here again, it should be understood that the unit pixels  60   a - 60   c  and  60   d - 60   f  may respectively define groups of three unit pixels having a red, blue, and green unit pixel. 
     As depicted, each of the unit pixels  60   a - 60   f  within the pixel array shown in  FIG. 11B  may include a pixel electrode  110   c  having the electrode strip sets  140   a - 140   d  extending from opposing vertical edges  152  and  154  in the manner discussed above with reference  FIG. 11A . Though not shown in the present figure, in practice, the LCD panel  34  of  FIG. 11B  may include a black mask  78  similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , which may define light-transmissive apertures over each of the unit pixels  60   a - 60   f . As will be appreciated, an LCD panel  34  utilizing the pixel electrodes  110   c  shown here may have an increased aperture ratio relative to conventional multi-domain pixel designs, thus providing for an improved transmittance rate which may result in enhanced brightness when perceived by a user viewing the LCD panel  34 . 
     The presently disclosed techniques, which have been explained by way of the various exemplary embodiments described above, may be utilized in a variety of LCD devices, particularly fringe field switching (FFS) LCD devices. When compared to conventional multi-domain pixel designs, the embodiments described above may offer improvements with regard to one or more LCD display panel properties, such as viewing angle, color shift, and/or transmittance rates. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the LCD panels incorporating one or more of the foregoing techniques may be manufactured using any type of suitable layer deposition process, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD or PECVD). 
     While the present invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the techniques set forth in the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20090213
Publication Date: 20140121
Grant Date: 20140121
Priority Date: 20090213
Inventors: GU MINGXIA
XU MING
CHEN CHENG
ZHONG JOHN Z.
CHANG SHIH CHANG
GETTEMY SHAWN ROBERT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02F1/133512", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/134363", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133512", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/134372", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/134372", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/134363", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 42559435