Liquid crystal cells – elements and systems – Particular structure – Having significant detail of cell structure only
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-05
2001-02-06
Parker, Kenneth (Department: 2871)
Liquid crystal cells, elements and systems
Particular structure
Having significant detail of cell structure only
C349S111000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06184962
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device of a simple matrix-type wherein a plurality of transparent stripe-shaped electrodes of a pair of substrates intersect each other so as to form an electrode matrix for displaying images in a display region surrounded by a visible peripheral or frame-shaped region (visible non-display region).
More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device in which the visible peripheral region is masked or light-interrupted with a material constituting sub-electrodes (auxiliary electrodes) provided to the stripe-shaped electrodes.
In a conventional liquid crystal display device of the simple matrix-type wherein a liquid crystal is disposed between a pair of oppositely disposed substrates each having thereon a plurality of transparent stripe-shaped electrodes arranged in an electrode matrix structure so as to provide a plurality of pixels for image display in a display region. The liquid crystal display device has a visible area defined by a rectangular frame-shaped member (e.g., of a casing for the display device) affixed to the display device, thus providing the display region and a visible peripheral (non-display) region which is in a frame shape and is located between the display region and the frame-shaped member. In the visible peripheral region surrounding the display region of the display device, the transparent stripe-shaped electrodes are not arranged in the electrode matrix and are generally used as lead-out portions each partially provided with a lead wire (metal electrode) extending to an electrode terminal to be connected with an external driving circuit, thus leaving visible lead wire portions since the transparent stripe-shaped electrodes of the pair of substrates in the visible peripheral region are not completely masked or light-interrupted with an opaque member (e.g., metal electrodes as auxiliary electrodes for the transparent stripe-shaped electrodes) due to a remaining exposed portion of the stripe-shaped electrodes and spacings between the stripe-shaped electrodes through which light passes.
In order to mask such a visible peripheral region particularly in the case of a color liquid crystal display device, there has been used a black stripe pattern of a metal film to be generally used for masking spacings between the pixels in the display region, thus preventing partial light transmission (leading to undesirable or unattractive appearance) at four side portions of the visible area corresponding to the visible peripheral region.
Further, in a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal having ferroelectricity, there has been adopted a method wherein the matrix electrode structure is provided in the visible peripheral region similarly as in the display region and is electrically connected with a signal-supply circuit so as to always display “black” images in the visible peripheral region by constantly applying signals for the black images, thus improving an external appearance of the display device in the visible peripheral region.
However, the use of the black stripe pattern for masking the visible peripheral region has recently been liable to be relinquished in view of minimization of a degree of surface reflection and reduction of production steps for the display device. Particularly, from the latter viewpoint, the use of the black stripe pattern requires an additional step of forming the pattern in the visible peripheral region. Similarly, a liquid crystal display device for displaying white and black images also encounters this problem (increased production steps).
With respect to the latter method mentioned above (the constant signal application for black images), the method is accompanied with an additional signal circuit therefor, thus leading to increased production costs. In addition, such a constant signal application in the visible peripheral region is liable to apply an undesirable load to display signals to be supplied to a given matrix electrode portion for display in the display region.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device effectively masking or light-interrupting a visible peripheral region enclosing a display region without impairing an external appearance or a quality in the visible peripheral region.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal device wherein the masking of the visible peripheral region can be performed with no additional production steps.
According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display device, comprising:
a pair of oppositely disposed first and second substrates each having thereon a plurality of transparent stripe-shaped electrodes so that the transparent stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates intersect each other to form an electrode matrix, each stripe-shaped electrode being provided with a sub-electrode superposed thereon, and
a liquid crystal disposed between the first and second substrates so as to provide a plurality of pixels each at an intersection of the stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates, thereby forming a display region including the pixels and a visible peripheral region surrounding the display region, wherein
in the visible peripheral region, the sub-electrodes on the first and second substrates are extended to mask the stripe-shaped electrodes and spacings between the stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a liquid crystal display device, comprising:
a pair of oppositely disposed first and second substrates each having thereon a plurality of transparent stripe-shaped electrodes so that the transparent stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates intersect each other to form an electrode matrix, each stripe-shaped electrode being provided with a sub-electrode superposed thereon, and
a liquid crystal disposed between the first and second substrates so as to provide a plurality of pixels each at an intersection of the stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates, thereby forming a display region which includes the pixels and a visible peripheral region which surrounds the display region and includes, on at least one of the first and second substrates, a masking metal layer isolated from associated transparent stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates; wherein
in the display region, the pixels are arranged to leave pixel spacings therebetween which are masked with at least the sub-electrodes on the first and second substrates, and
in the visible peripheral region, the sub-electrodes on the first and second substrates are extended to mask the stripe-shaped electrodes and spacings between the stripe-shaped electrodes on the first and second substrates.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Hiyama Hiroki
Nakai Noriyuki
Suzuki Masa-aki
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Fitzpatrick ,Cella, Harper & Scinto
Parker Kenneth
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