FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for driving a liquid crystal panel, and
more particularly to a method for driving a liquid crystal panel using a ferroelectric
liquid crystal (hereinafter referred to as a FLC).
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Fig. 2 is a schematic section view showing the structure of a FLC panel. More specifically,
glass substrates 5a and 5b are provided opposite to each other. A plurality of signal
electrodes S are provided in parallel with one another on the surface of one glass
substrate 5a. The signal electrodes S are transparent and consist of indium tin oxide
(hereinafter referred to as ITO) and the like. The signal electrodes S are covered
by a transparent insulating film 6a which consists of SiO₂ and the like.
[0003] A plurality of scanning electrodes L are provided in parallel with one another and
perpendicularly to the signal electrodes S on the surface of the other glass substrate
5b which is opposite to the signal electrodes S. The scanning electrodes L are transparent
and consist of ITO and the like. The scanning electrodes L are covered by a transparent
insulating film 6b which consists of SiO₂ and the like.
[0004] On the insulating films 6a and 6b are formed transparent orientation films 7a and
7b which are subjected to rubbing processing and consist of polyvinyl alcohol and
the like. The glass substrates 5a and 5b are stuck together by a sealing agent 8 with
an inlet left. A FLC 9 is introduced into a space interposed between the orientation
films 7a and 7b through the inlet by vacuum injection. Then, the inlet is sealed by
the sealing agent 8.
[0005] The glass substrates 5a and 5b thus stuck together are interposed between polarizing
plates 10a and 10b. The polarizing plates 10a and 10b are provided in such a manner
that their polarizing axes are perpendicular to each other.
[0006] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the schematic structure of a FLC display (hereinafter
referred to as a FLCD) 4 in which the scanning electrodes L and signal electrodes
S of the FLC panel 1 are connected to a scanning side drive circuit 11 and a signal
side drive circuit 12 respectively.
[0007] For simplicity, there will be described the FLCD 4 which has 16 scanning electrodes
L and 16 signal electrodes S, that is, which is formed by 16 x 16 pixels. Each scanning
electrode L is coded by adding a subscript i (i = 0 to F) to a character L. Each signal
electrode S is coded by adding a subscript j (j = 0 to F) to a character S. In the
following description, a pixel in a portion or a cell where a given scanning electrode
Li and a given signal electrode Sj intersect each other is indicated at Aij.
[0008] The scanning side drive circuit 11 serves to apply voltages to the scanning electrodes
L and includes an address decoder, a latch and an analog switch which are not shown.
More specifically, the scanning side drive circuit 11 applies a selection voltage
V
c1 to the scanning electrode Li corresponding to an address Ax which is specified, and
applies a non-selection voltage V
c0 to other scanning electrodes Lk (k ≠ i). The signal side drive circuit 12 serves
to apply voltages to the signal electrodes S and includes a shift register, a latch
and an analog switch which are not shown. More specifically, the signal side drive
circuit 12 applies an active voltage V
s1 to the signal electrode S in which data DATA corresponds to "1", and applies a non-active
voltage V
s0 to the signal electrode S in which the data DATA corresponds to "0".
[0009] As shown in Fig. 7 (B), a FLC molecule 101 forming the pixel Aij has a spontaneous
polarization Ps perpendicularly to the direction of a major axis thereof, receives
a force which is proportional to a vector product composed of an electric field E
and the spontaneous polarization Ps, and is moved on the surface of a circular cone
102. The electric field E is produced by the voltages of the scanning electrode L
and signal electrode S. The circular cone 102 has an apex angle 2 ϑ which is twice
as great as a tilt angle. The FLC molecule 101 has two stable states. When moved to
an axis 107 shown in Fig. 7 (A) by the electric field E, the FLC molecule 101 is brought
into a stable state 105. When moved to an axis 106 by the electric field E, the FLC
molecule 101 is brought into a stable state 104. When the FLC molecule 101 in a given
stable state is moved by the electric field E, a restoring force for returning to
an original stable state acts on the FLC molecule 101 while the given stable state
is not changed.
[0010] The other force acting on the FLC molecule is proportional to a difference Δ ε of
permittivities in the directions of major and minor axes and to square of the electric
field E. More specifically, a force F acting on the FLC molecule is as follows.

[0011] When a FLC material having a negative dielectric anisotropy Δ ε is sealed in a panel,
a force produced by the effect of the dielectric anisotropy Δ ε < 0 is much greater
than a force produced by the effect of the spontaneous polarization Ps if the electric
field is not greater than Ee. Both forces are almost equal to each other if the electric
field is greater than Ef.
[0012] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 56933/1987, 280824/1987
and 24234/1989 have disclosed a method for driving a FLC panel utilizing the foregoing.
Fig. 17 shows a graph which represents the relationship between a voltage and a response
speed of the FLC material disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 24234/1989.
[0013] Fig. 16 shows a driving method disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 24234/1989. The stable state of a FLC molecule forming a pixel Aij is changed
or rewritten into another stable state in the following manner. More specifically,
when a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (1) is applied to a scanning electrode Li,
a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (3) is applied to a signal electrode Sj and a
voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (5) is applied to the FLC molecule forming the pixel
Aij. Consequently, the stable state of the FLC molecule is changed or rewritten into
another stable state. The stable state of the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij is
changed into a further stable state in the following manner. More specifically, when
the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (1) is applied to the scanning electrode Li,
a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (4) is applied to the signal electrode Sj and
a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (6) is applied to the FLC molecule forming the
pixel Aij. Consequently, the stable state of the FLC molecule is changed into the
further stable state. When the stable state of a FLC molecule forming a pixel Akj
(k ≠ i) is changed, a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (2) is applied to the scanning
electrode Li and the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (3) or (4) is applied to the
signal electrode Sj. Accordingly, a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 16 (7) or (8) is
applied to the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij so that the stable state of the
FLC molecule is not changed.
[0014] In the case that the absolute value of a voltage -Va or Va of Fig. 16 (6) or (5)
is about 30 v shown in Fig. 17 and a voltage is in an area where the effect of a dielectric
anisotropy Δ ε < 0 is smaller than that of the spontaneous polarization Ps, and the
absolute value of a voltage (-Va - 2Vb) or (Va + 2Vb) of Fig. 16 (5) or (6) is about
50 v shown in Fig. 17 and a voltage is in an area where the effect of the dielectric
anisotropy Δ ε < 0 is substantially equal to that of the spontaneous polarization
Ps, the above-mentioned driving method can be executed. The reason is that a force
acting on the FLC molecule by virtue of the former voltage is greater than a force
acting on the FLC molecule by virtue of the latter voltage. The foregoing can be presumed
because a response time shown in Fig. 17 has a minimum value when a voltage is 30
to 40 v and the response time is greater when the voltage is greater than 40 v as
compared with the case where the voltage is 30 v.
[0015] In FLC' 91 Institute held in U.S.A., RSRE Co., Ltd. published "The JOERS/ALVEY Ferroelectric
Mutiplexing Scheme" for another driving method using a FLC material SCE8 which has
a negative dielectric anisotropy and is manufactured by BDH Co., Ltd. Fig. 15 shows
the relationship between a voltage and a memory pulse width of the FLC material SCE8
disclosed in the above-mentioned paper. Data shown in Fig. 15 (a) is obtained by applying
a pulse on which a bias voltage of ± 10 v is superposed as shown in Fig. 14 (B). Data
shown in Fig. 15 (b) is obtained by applying a pulse on which a bias voltage of ±
0 v is superposed as shown in Fig. 14 (A). Referring to the driving method disclosed
in the above-mentioned paper, two fields are necessary for rewriting a screen. Driving
waveforms shown in Fig. 13 (A) are applied in a first field and driving waveforms
shown in Fig. 13 (B) are applied in a second field.
[0016] The stable state of the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij is changed into another
stable state in the following manner. More specifically, when a selection voltage
shown in Fig. 13 (A) (1) is applied to a scanning electrode Li in the first field,
a rewriting voltage shown in Fig. 13 (A) (3) is applied to the signal electrode Sj
and a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (A) (5) is applied to the FLC molecule forming
the pixel Aij so as to change the stable state of the FLC molecule into another stable
state. Furthermore, when a selection voltage shown in Fig. 13 (B) (1) is applied to
the scanning electrode Li in the second field, a holding voltage shown in Fig. 13
(B) (4) is applied to the signal electrode Sj and a voltage waveform shown in Fig.
13 (B) (6) is applied to the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij so as not to change
the stable state of the FLC molecule.
[0017] The stable state of the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij is changed into a further
stable state in the following manner. More specifically, when the selection voltage
shown in Fig. 13 (A) (1) is applied to the scanning electrode Li in the first field,
a holding voltage shown in Fig. 13 (A) (4) is applied to the signal electrode Sj and
a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (A) (6) is applied to the FLC molecule forming
the pixel Aij so as not to change the stable state of the FLC molecule. Furthermore,
when the selection voltage shown in Fig. 13 (B) (1) is applied to the scanning electrode
Li in the second field, a rewriting voltage shown in Fig. 13 (B) (3) is applied to
the signal electrode Sj and a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (B) (5) is applied
to the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij so as to change the stable state of the
FLC molecule into the further stable state.
[0018] In case the stable state of a FLC molecule forming a pixel Akj (k ≠ i) is changed,
a non-selection voltage shown in Fig. 13 (A) (2) is applied to the scanning electrode
Li, the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (A) (3) or (4) is applied to the signal
electrode Sj and a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (A) (7) or (8) is applied to
the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij in the first field. In the second field, when
a non-selection voltage shown in Fig. 13 (B) (2) is applied to the scanning electrode
Li, the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (B) (4) or (3) is applied to the signal
electrode Sj and a voltage waveform shown in Fig. 13 (B) (8) or (7) is applied to
the FLC molecule forming the pixel Aij. Even though a voltage is applied, the stable
state of the FLC molecule is not changed.
[0019] In case a voltage (-Vs + Vd) or (Vs - Vd) shown in Fig. 13 (A) (5) or Fig. 13 (B)
(5) is in an area where the effect of the dielectric anisotropy Δ ε < 0 is smaller
than that of the spontaneous polarization Ps, and a voltage (-Vs - Vd) or (Vs + Vd)
shown in Fig. 13 (A) (6) or Fig. 13 (B) (6) is in an area where the effect of the
dielectric anisotropy Δ ε < 0 is almost equal to that of the spontaneous polarization
Ps, the above-mentioned driving method can be executed. The reason is that a force
acting on the FLC molecule by virtue of the former voltage is greater than a force
acting on the FLC molecule by virtue of the latter voltage. In Fig. 13 (A) (5) or
Fig. 13 (B) (5), the polarity of a voltage -Vd or Vd is the same as that of the voltage
(-Vs + Vd) or (Vs - Vd). In Fig. 13 (A) (6) or Fig. 13 (B) (6), the polarity of the
voltage Vd or -Vd is reverse to that of the voltage (-Vs - Vd) or (Vs + Vd). Consequently,
the stable state of the FLC molecule is easy to change by virtue of the voltage (-Vs
+ Vd) or (Vs - Vd) in the former case, and is hard to change by virtue of the voltage
(-Vs - Vd) or (Vs + Vd) in the latter case.
[0020] Referring to the paper "The JOERS/ALVEY Ferroelectric Multiplexing Scheme" published
by RSRE Co., Ltd, in FLC' 91 Institute, the voltage Vs is 50 v and the voltage Vd
is 10 v (or 7.5 v) in Fig. 13. Accordingly, when the voltage is about ± 60 v, the
effect of Δ ε < 0 is substantially equal to that of Ps.
[0021] However, the driving voltage of a commerically available CMOS driver is 25 to 35
v. In order to use the driving method according to the prior art, consequently, it
is necessary to develop a FLC material in which the effect of Δ ε < 0 is substantially
equal to that of Ps by virtue of a half voltage as compared with the SCE8 manufactured
by BDH Co., Ltd.
[0022] If the electric field E is halved in the formula (1), a force acting on the FLC molecule
is represented by the following formula (2).

[0023] The value of the first term involving Ps is made 1/2. The value of the second term
involving Δ ε is made 1/4. The effect of Δ ε < 0 is assumed to be almost equal to
that of Ps in an electric field E1, though, the effect of Δ ε < 0 becomes about half
of that of Ps in an electric field E1/2.
[0024] Δ ε is mainly controlled by the base LC of the FLC material. Ps is controlled by
a quantity of chiral of the FLC material to be added. If the quantity of chiral to
be added is reduced by half or more, it is easy to blend the FLC material which has
the same Δ ε and half of Ps (on the other hand, it is very difficult to change the
value of Δ ε because the base LC should be changed into another composition system).
[0025] If the above-mentioned FLC material is used and the electric field E is halved in
the formula (1), the following formula (3) is obtained.

[0026] The value of the first term involving Ps is made 1/4. The value of the second term
involving Δ ε is made 1/4. Consequently, if the effect of Δ ε < 0 is substantially
equal to that of Ps in the electric field E1 of the FLC material having the spontaneous
polarization Ps, the effect of Δ ε < 0 is equal to that of Ps in the electric field
E1/2 of the FLC material having a spontaneous polarization Ps/2.
[0027] However, the response speed of the FLC material having the spontaneous polarization
Ps/2 is lower than that of the FLC material having the spontaneous polarization Ps
by about twice because a force acting on the FLC molecule of the formula (3) is half
of that of the formula (2).
[0028] Referring to the driving method shown in Fig. 13, a voltage to be effectively used
for changing or rewriting the stable state of the FLC molecule is (Vs - Vd) / (Vs
+ Vd) = 2/3. In the case that the driving method and FLC material having such a low
response speed are applied to a dynamic driving method which executes rewriting all
pixels with and without the change of display, it takes a lot of time to rewrite pixels
on all scanning electrodes from top to bottom on a screen. The time for rewriting
comes to have the worst value of a response speed in the case that the displayed contents
are changed. Consequently, the response speed is lowered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] It is an object of the present invention to provide a driving method for visually
increasing a response speed by applying a FLC material having a low response speed
to a static driving method to rewrite only pixels on scanning electrodes of which
display is changed.
[0030] The present invention provides a method for driving a liquid crystal panel comprising
the steps of providing a ferroelectric liquid crystal of which dielectric anisotropy
is negative, between a plurality of scanning electrodes and a plurality of signal
electrodes, said scanning electrodes being perpendicular to said signal electrodes,
selectively applying either a selection voltage or a non-seclection voltage to each
of the scanning electrodes and selectively applying either a rewritting voltage or
a holding voltage to each of the signal electrodes so as to change the display of
each pixel in spaces where the scanning electrodes and signal electrodes intersect
each other, applying positive and negative voltages to a first pixel formed by the
scanning electrode having the non-selection voltage applied thereto and the signal
electrode having the rewriting voltage applied thereto and to a second pixel formed
by the scanning electrode having the non-selection voltage applied thereto and the
signal electrode having the holding voltage applied thereto so that the changes of
the quantities of transmitted light of the first and second pixels are made substantially
equal to each other, and applying a positive or negative voltage within the range
where the effect of the negative dielectric anisotropy acting on a ferroelectric liquid
crystal molecule is increased, and a negative or positive voltage within the range
where the effect of the negative dielectric anisotropy acting on the ferroelectric
liquid crystal molecule is decreased, to a third pixel formed by the scanning electrode
having the selection voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode having the holding
voltage applied thereto so that the change of a quantity of transmitted light of the
third pixel is made substantially equal to or smaller than that of the first and second
pixels.
[0031] It is preferred that a holding voltage is applied to the signal electrode forming
the pixel which is on the scanning electrode having a selection voltage applied thereto
when display of the pixel does not need to be changed, and a rewriting voltage is
applied to the signal electrode when the display needs to be changed.
[0032] Preferably, the method for driving a liquid crystal panel further comprises the step
of providing means for virtually dividing the scanning electrode into a plurality
of groups and for detecting the necessity of changing the display of pixels on the
scanning electrode belonging to each group, and means for deciding whether the display
of each pixel needs to be changed and for detecting the kind of display change, whereby
the ferroelectric liquid crystal molecule forming a pixel of which display needs to
be changed is brought from one of stable states into the other stable state and vice
versa according to a display state, and the ferroelectric liquid crystal molecule
forming a pixel of which display does not need to be changed holds a stable state
thereof.
[0033] In the case of a FLC material having a negative dielectric anisotropy, forces acting
on a FLC molecule are almost equal to each other in an electric field Eg where the
effect of the dielectric anisotropy Δ ε < 0 is smaller than that of a spontaneous
polarization Ps and in an electric field Eh where the effect of the dielectric anisotropy
Δ ε < 0 is almost equal to that of the spontaneous polarization Ps according to the
formula (1).
[0034] When an electric field ± (Eg + α) is applied to the FLC molecule forming a pixel
which is formed by the scanning electrode having a non-selection voltage applied thereto
and electric fields (-Eg - α), Eh or (Eg + α), and -Eh are applied to the FLC molecule
forming a pixel which is formed by the scanning electrode having a selection voltage
applied thereto and the signal electrode having a holding voltage applied thereto,
a force acting on the FLC molecule in the former case is greater than (α > 0) or almost
equal to (α = 0) that in the latter case, and the change of a quantity of transmitted
light of the pixel in the former case is greater than or almost equal to that in the
latter case.
[0035] If the change of a quantity of transmitted light of the pixel formed by the scanning
electrode having a selection voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode having
a holding voltage applied thereto is smaller than or almost equal to that of the pixel
formed by the scanning electrode having a non-selection voltage applied thereto, the
change of a quantity of transmitted light of a pixel having no change of display is
always constant (the change of the quantity of transmitted light which is less slight
is not marked). Consequently, even though the selection voltage is applied to the
scanning electrode forming the pixel to change a display state thereof, a flicker
cannot be observed.
[0036] In case of DTP (Desk Top Publishing) or CAD (Computer Edit Design), the number of
scanning electrodes including pixels having the change of display is very small. Consequently,
even though there is used a FLC material having a small Pc and a low response speed,
an apparent response speed can greatly be increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037]
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of a display system of
a FLCD;
Figure 2 is a section view showing the structure of a FLC panel used in the FLCD;
Figure 3 is a view showing the state in which characters of "A B C D" are displayed
on the FLCD;
Figure 4 is a waveform diagram showing output signals from a personal computer;
Figure 5 is a diagram showing data implied by the output signals in a matrix;
Figure 6 is a diagram showing data implied by the output signals in a matrix;
Figure 7 (A) is a view showing the state of a FLC molecule seen from a glass substrate,
and Figure 7 (B) is a view showing the state of the FLC molecule in a smectic C phase;
Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of a display controller
according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a waveform diagram showing each applied voltage used for driving a FLC
panel according to the present invention;
Figure 10 is a waveform diagram showing each applied voltage used for driving the
FLC panel according to the present invention;
Figure 11 is a waveform diagram showing each applied voltage used for driving the
FLC panel according to the present invention;
Figure 12 is a waveform diagram showing voltages applied to the scanning electrodes,
signal electrodes and pixels of the FLC panel according to the present invention;
Figure 13 is a waveform diagram showing each applied voltage used for driving a FLC
panel according to the prior art;
Figure 14 is a voltage waveform diagram showing the conditions of measurement in Figure
15;
Figure 15 is a graph showing the voltage and memory pulse width characteristics of
a FLC material having Δ ε < 0 according to the prior art;
Figure 16 is a waveform diagram showing each applied voltage used for driving the
FLC panel according to the prior art;
Figure 17 is a graph showing the voltage and response time characteristics of a FLC
material according to another prior art;
Figure 18 is a graph showing the voltage and memory pulse width characteristics of
the FLC material which are actually measured;
Figure 19 is a theoretical diagram for defining the state of orientations based on
the relationship between rubbing and chevron directions;
Figure 20 is a waveform diagram showing the combinations of applied voltage waveforms
which have equal optical characteristics to be given to pixels in the memory state
of "dark" or "bright";
Figure 21 is a waveform diagram for calculating the relationship of voltages among
four kinds of pixels in which a selection or non-selection voltage is applied to the
scanning electrode and a rewriting or holding voltage is applied to the signal electrode;
Figure 22 is a waveform diagram showing the combinations of applied voltage waveforms
which have equal optical characteristics to be given to pixels in the memory state
of "dark" or "bright";
Figure 23 is a wavetorm diagram showing the combinations of applied voltage waveforms
which have almost equal optical characteristics to be given to pixels in the memory
state of "dark" or "bright";
Figure 24 is a waveform diagram showing the combinations of applied voltage waveforms
which have almost equal optical characteristics to be given to pixels in the memory
state of "dark" or "bright";
Figure 25 is a graph showing the voltage and memory pulse width characteristics of
the FLC material which are actually measured; and
Figure 26 is a graph showing the voltage and memory pulse width characteristics of
the FLC material which are actually measured.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] First, there is given a test of Fig. 15 which has been disclosed in a paper published
by RSRE Co., Ltd. Since a FLC panel to be used has the same structure as that of a
FLC panel 1 shown in Fig. 2, its description will be omitted.
[0039] "SCE8" manufactured by BDH Co., Ltd. is used for a FLC material, which has been disclosed
in the above-mentioned paper. "PSI-XS012, PSI-XS014, PSI-X7355, PVA and nylon" manufactured
by Chisso Co., Ltd. are used for orientation films. The FLC material and orientation
films are used for producing five FLC panels in total. Fig. 18 graphically shows the
relationship between a voltage and a memory pulse width of each of four FLC panels
except for a FLC panel made of nylon, which is measured by voltage waveforms shown
in Fig. 14 (A). The basic characteristic of each panel is as follows.
|
Pretilt Angle |
Tilt Angle ϑ |
Memory angle α |
PSI-XS012 |
2.5° |
20.9° |
13.8° |
PSI-XS014 |
2.3° |
21.4° |
14.0° |
PSI-X7355 |
7.5° |
21.4° |
13.9° |
PVA |
--0° |
22.0° |
11.9° |
Nylon |
--0° |
19.2° |
13.6° |
[0040] Fig. 19 shows rubbing, pretilt and chevron directions. Fig. 19 (a) shows a C1 uniform
orientation. Fig. 19 (b) shows a C1 twist orientation. Fig. 19 (c) shows a C2 orientation.
The state of each panel can be specified as the C2 orientation based on the relationship
between the disclination and the rubbing direction.
[0041] The terms "C1 uniform orientation", "C1 twist orientation" and "C2 orientation" are
explained in, for example, Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol 31 (1992) pp 852-857.
[0042] Referring to the relationship between a voltage and a memory pulse width shown in
Fig. 18, each panel has a voltage to which a minimum memory pulse width is related.
The voltage is represented by Vmin for each panel.

[0043] When (V0 + V1) is determined, a voltage V0/2 gives a FLC molecule a force which is
equal to that acting on the FLC molecule when the voltage (V0 + V1) is applied.

[0044] The following voltage waveforms give the change of a quantity of transmitted light
which is equal to that made on pixels when a voltage waveform in which a voltage -V0/2
shown in Fig. 20 (1) is followed by voltages V0/2 and 0 is applied to the pixels in
the memory state of "dark" or "bright": voltage waveforms shown in Figs. 20 (2) to
(4); a voltage waveform in which a voltage -(V0 + V1) is followed by voltages (V0
+ V1) and 0; a voltage waveform in which the voltage 0 is followed by the voltages
-(V0 + V1) and (V0 + V1).
[0045] The following voltage waveforms give the change of a quantity of transmitted light
which is equal to that made on pixels when a voltage waveform in which a voltage V0/2
shown in Fig. 20 (5) is followed by voltages -V0/2 and 0 is applied to the pixels
in the memory state of "dark" or "bright": voltage waveforms shown in Figs. 20 (6)
to (8); a voltage waveform in which a voltage (V0 + V1) is followed by voltages -(V0
+ V1) and 0; a voltage waveform in which the voltage 0 is followed by the voltages
(V0 + V1) and -(V0 + V1).
[0046] There will be described a method for determining a driving waveform used for a FLC
panel into which a liquid crystal having the above-mentioned characteristics and a
negative dielectric anisotropy is injected.
[0047] At the time of non-selection, a voltage to be applied to a pixel is determined so
as not to cause crosstalk. In case Fig. 20 (1) shows a voltage waveform to be applied
to a pixel A22 formed by a scanning electrode having a non-selection voltage applied
thereto and a signal electrode having a holding voltage applied thereto, the following
voltage waveforms give the change of a quantity of transmitted light which is almost
equal to that of the pixel made when the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 20 (1) is
applied to the FLC molecule forming the pixel: voltage waveforms shown in Figs. 20
(2) to (4); a voltage waveform in which a voltage - (V0 + V1) is followed by voltages
(V0 + V1) and 0; a voltage waveform in which the voltage 0 is followed by the voltages
-(V0 + V1) and (V0 + V1). It is assumed that Fig. 20 (2) shows a voltage waveform
to be applied to a pixel A21 formed by the scanning electrode having a non-selection
voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode having a rewriting voltage applied
thereto.
[0048] Then, a voltage waveform to be applied to a pixel A12 formed by the scanning electrode
having a selection voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode having a holding
voltage applied thereto is selected from voltage waveforms shown in Figs. 20 (1) to
(4), the voltage waveform in which the voltage -(V0 + V1) is followed by the voltages
(V0 + V1) and 0, and the voltage waveform in which the voltage 0 is followed by the
voltages -(V0 + V1) and (V0 + V1). In this case, there is the following relationship
between voltages V22, V21 and V12 to be applied to the pixels A22, A21 and A12 and
a voltage V11 to be applied to a pixel A11 formed by the scanning electrode having
a selection voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode having a rewriting voltage
applied thereto.


[0049] When a voltage waveform to be applied to the pixel A12 is determined in such a manner
that a voltage to be applied to the pixel A11 is 0 or positive, the voltage waveforms
shown in Fig. 20 (3) is selected.
[0050] The above-mentioned calculation is performed with reference to the combinations of
voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 21 (a). Fig. 21 (a) (5) shows a voltage waveform to
be applied to the pixel A11.
[0051] Similarly, there can be obtained the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Figs.
21 (b) to (d) and Figs. 22 (a) to (d). The combinations of voltage waveforms shown
in Figs. 23 (a) to (d) and Figs. 24 (a) to (d) which are slightly different from those
of voltage waveforms shown in Figs. 21 (a) to (d) can also be used if the change of
a quantity of transmitted light of the pixel A12 having a voltage waveform (4) applied
thereto is almost equal to that of the pixel A22 having a voltage waveform (1) having
applied thereto or the pixel A21 having a voltage waveform (2) applied thereto.
[0052] Based on the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 21 (c), it is possible
to determine the combinations of voltage waveforms to be applied to the scanning electrodes,
signal electrodes and pixels which are shown in Fig. 9 (A). Based on the combinations
of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 21 (a), it is possible to determine the combinations
of voltage waveforms to be applied to the scanning electrodes, signal electrodes and
pixels which are shown in Fig. 9 (B).
[0053] A voltage waveform shown in Fig. 21 (c) or (a) (1) is assigned for a voltage waveform
to be applied to a pixel formed by the scanning electrode having a non-selection voltage
applied thereto and the signal electrode having a holding voltage applied thereto
which is shown in Fig. 9 (A) or (B) (8). A voltage waveform shown in Fig. 21 (c) or
(a) (2) is assigned for a voltage waveform to be applied to a pixel formed by the
scanning electrode having a non-selection voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode
having a rewriting voltage applied thereto which is shown in Fig. 9 (A) or (B) (7).
A voltage waveform shown in Fig. 21 (c) or (a) (4) is assigned for a voltage waveform
to be applied to a pixel formed by the scanning electrode having a selection voltage
applied thereto and the signal electrode having a holding voltage applied thereto
which is shown in Fig. 9 (A) or (B) (6). A voltage waveform shown in Fig. 21 (c) or
(a) (5) is assigned for a voltage waveform to be applied to a pixel formed by the
scanning electrode having a selection voltage applied thereto and the signal electrode
having a rewriting voltage applied thereto which is shown in Fig. 9 (A) or (B) (5).
[0054] In case the voltage waveform to be applied to the pixel is determined, the change
of a quantity of transmitted light of the pixel made by applying the voltage waveform
shown in Fig. 9 (A) or (B) (6) to the FLC molecule forming the pixel is almost equal
to that made by applying the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 9 (A) (7) or (8) or Fig.
9 (B) (7) or (8) to the FLC molecule forming the pixel.
[0055] In case a voltage (V0 + α) (α> 0) is used in place of a voltage V0 in Figs. 9 (A)
and (B), the change of a quantity of transmitted light of the pixel made by applying
the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 9 (A) (6) or Fig. 9 (B) (6) to the FLC molecule
forming the pixel is smaller than that made by applying the voltage waveform shown
in Fig. 9 (A) (7) or (8) or Fig. 9 (B) (7) or (8) to the FLC molecule forming the
pixel.
[0057] Referring to the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9, the area ratio
of a voltage having a unipolarity shown in Fig. 9 (A) (5) or Fig. 9 (B) (5) to that
shown in Fig. 9 (A) (7) or (8), or Fig. 9 (B) (7) or (8), that is, a bias ratio B
is found by the following formula.

[0058] There cannot be expected a very high contrast. The time axes of the combinations
of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 (A) are changed from t0 to t1, and the combinations
of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 (A) are added to those of voltage waveforms which
are obtained by shifting the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 (A)
by a time 2t1 so that the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (A) are
obtained. The time axes of the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 (B)
are changed from t0 to t1, and the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig.
9 (B) are added to those of voltage waveforms which are obtained by shifting those
of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 (B) by a time 2t1 so that the combinations of
voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (B) are obtained. The bias ratio B of Fig. 11 is
found by the following formula.

[0059] Consequently, there can be expected a very high contrast.
[0060] According to the above-mentioned driving method, the contrast depends on how many
times the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 are shifted and superposed.
The combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 can be superposed many times
for the following reason. Since the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 9 (A) or (B) (6)
is preliminarily designed in such a manner that a torque which is equal to those of
the voltage waveforms shown in Figs. 9 (A) or (B) (7) and (8) is given to the FLC
molecule, the memory state of the FLC molecule is not changed in similar to the time
of biasing. This fact is made clearer by using a voltage (V0 + α ) / 2 (α > 0) in
place of a voltage V0/2 in Fig. 9.
[0061] In a panel using PSI-X7355 for an orientation film, there is partially seen a C1
twist orientation. In a panel using PSI-XS012 or PSI-XS014 for the orientation film,
there is partially seen a C2 twist orientation. In the C1 and C2 twist orientations,
there is obtained a voltage and memory pulse width characteristic having a voltage
to which a minimum memory pulse width is related in similar to Fig. 18. Consequently,
there is a voltage V0/2 which gives the FLC molecule a force equal to that generated
by applying a voltage (V0 + V1) in similar to the C2 uniform orientation.
[0062] In a FLC panel 1 using the orientation film PSI-X7355 manufactured by Chisso Co.,
Ltd., a voltage (V0 + V1) is set to 50 v, a voltage V0 is variable to compare characteristics
obtained by applying voltages shown in Figs. 11 (A) (7) and (8) to the pixel and measuring
an optical response as an electric signal by means of a photodiode with characteristics
obtained by applying a voltage shown in Fig. 11 (A) (6) to the pixel and measuring
an optical response as an electric signal by means of the photodiode. Consequently,
there are obtained following voltages by which the quantities of transmitted light
are almost equal to each other.


[0063] Although driving waveforms shown in Fig. 13 according to the prior art can also be
superposed, crosstalk remains. Accordingly, this superpostion is not very preferable.
[0064] V0/2 is set to 12 v and V1 is set to 26 v. The voltages shown in Fig. 11 (A) (6)
and Fig. 11 (A) (7) or (8) are sequentially applied. Then, Fig. 11 (B) (6) and Fig.
11 (B) (7) or (8) are sequentially applied. Although this operation is repeated in
a cycle of 10 Hz, a flicker is not sensed. It is a matter of course that the state
of a pixel can be changed into another state by applying a voltage shown in Fig. 11
(A) (5) in place of the voltage shown in Fig. 11 (A) (6), and that the state of a
pixel can be changed into a further state by applying a voltage shown in Fig. 11 (B)
(5) in place of the voltage shown in Fig. 11 (B) (6).
[0065] In order to reduce the voltage (V0 + V1) from 50 v. liquid crystal compositions A
and B are injected into panels using the orientation films PSI-X012, PSI-X014 and
PSI-X7355 manufactured by Chisso Co., Ltd. The liquid crystal compositions A and B
are prepared by diluting a ferroelectric liquid crystal SCE-8 with compounds A and
B having a negative dielectric anisotropy.
|
Liquis Crystal |
Compound |
Blending Ratio |
Liquid Crystal Composition A |
SCE-8 |
Compound A |
8 : 2 |
Liquid Crystal Composition B |
SCE-8 |
Compound B |
9 : 1 |
[0066] Figs. 25 and 26 show the relationship between a voltage and a memory pulse width
measured by voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 14 (A). When Figs. 25 and 26 are compared
with Fig. 18, it is apparent that a voltage Vmin having a minimum memory pulse width
is reduced. It is found that the voltage (V0 + V1) can be reduced by decreasing the
ratio of chiral in a liquid crystal.
[0067] The structures of a FLC panel 1 and a FLCD 4 used in the present embodiment which
are shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are the same as those of the prior art, so that their description
will be omitted.
[0068] Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of a display system
using the FLCD 4. Referring to the display system, information necessary for image
display is obtained from a digital signal which is outputted from a personal computer
2 to a CRT display 3. and a display controller 13 converts the digital signal into
a signal for causing the FLCD 4 to perform image display. Based on a conversion signal
thus obtained, image display is performed by the FLCD 4.
[0069] Fig. 4 is a waveform diagram for each signal outputted from the personal computer
2 to the CRT display 3. Fig. 4 (1) shows a horizontal synchronizing signal HD which
gives a cycle for a horizontal scanning partition of image information outputted to
the CRT display 3. Fig. 4 (2) shows a vertical synchronizing signal VD which gives
a cycle for a screen of the image information. Fig. 4 (3) collectively shows the image
information as display data Data for each horizontal scanning partition, in which
numerals are attached to distinguish the data Data for each horizontal period. Fig.
4 (4) is an enlarged waveform diagram showing the horizontal scanning partition of
the horizontal synchronizing signal HD. Fig. 4 (5) is an enlarged waveform diagram
showing the horizontal scanning partition of the display data Data, in which numerals
are attached to distinguish the data Data for each pixel. Fig. 4 (6) is a waveform
diagram showing a data transfer clock CLK of the display data Data.
[0070] Although the digital signal has data for only 9 x 8 pixels, data for 16 x 16 pixels
of the FLC panel 1 can be displayed for the following reason. The 16 x 16 pixels of
the FLC panel 1 are virtually divided into display portions 0 to 3. The display portion
0 has scanning electrodes L0 to L7 and signal electrodes S0 to S7. The display portion
1 has the scanning electrodes L0 to L7 and signal electrodes S8 to SF. The display
portion 2 has scanning electrodes L8 to LF and the signal electrodes S0 to S7. The
display portion 3 has the scanning electrodes L8 to LF and the signal electrodes S8
to SF. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, data in the 0th horizontal scanning partition of
the digital signal for 9 x 8 pixels to be inputted indicates the correspondence of
data in first to eighth horizontal scanning partitions to the display portions 0 to
3.
[0071] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, if third and seventh data in the 0th horizontal scanning
partition are "bright" (data having no slash) and "bright" (to which Fig. 5 is suited)
respectively, data in the first to eighth horizontal scanning partitions correspond
to the display portion 0. If the third and seventh data in the 0th horizontal scanning
partition are "bright" and "dark" (data having slash) respectively, the data in the
first to eighth horizontal scanning partitions correspond to the display portion 1.
If the third and seventh data in the oth horizontal scanning partition are "dark"
and "bright" (to which Fig. 6 is suited) respectively, the data in the first to eighth
horizontal scanning partitions correspond to the display portion 2. If the third and
seventh data in the 0th horizontal scanning partition are "dark", the data in the
first to eighth horizontal scanning partitions correspond to the display portion 3.
[0072] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of the display controller
13. The display controller 13 includes an interface circuit 14, a display memory circuit
15, a group memory circuit 16, an identity and difference memory circuit 17, an input
control circuit 18, an output control circuit 19, an address circuit 20 and a driving
control circuit 21. The interface circuit 14 receives a digital signal from the personal
computer 2 and distributes the same to necessary circuits. The display memory circuit
15 records display data DA to be displayed next on the FLC panel 1. The group memory
circuit 16 collectively records the change of data of the display memory circuit 15
every two scanning electrodes (if at least one pixel is changed. there is change).
The identity and difference memory circuit 17 collectively records the change of data
of the display memory circuit 15 every four pixels (if at least one pixel is changed,
there is change). The input control circuit 18 controls a timing at which the digital
signal outputted from the personal computer 2 is written into the memory circuits
15, 16 and 17. The output control circuit 19 and address circuit 20 control timings
at which data to be outputted from the memory circuits 15, 16 and 17 to the FLCD 4
are read out. The driving control circuit 21 controls the operations of a scanning
side drive circuit 11 and a signal side drive circuit 12 forming the FLCD 4 on receipt
of data from the memory circuits 15, 16 and 17, the output control circuit 19 and
the address circuit 20.
[0073] The memory circuits 15 and 17 repeat four continuous cycles in which the data of
addresses specified by input side addresses IACx and IASx are first read out from
the memory, the data of addresses specified by output side addresses OACx and OASx
are secondly read out from the memory, the data of addresses specified by the input
side addresses IACx and IASx are thirdly written into the memory, and the data of
addresses specified by the output side addresses OACx and OASx are fourthly read out
from the memory. The group memory circuit 16 brings the data of the address specified
by the output side address OAGx into the state of no change in a second cycle.
[0074] By using the display controller 13, 16 scanning electrodes L of the FLCD 4 shown
in Fig. 3 are virtually divided into 8 groups two by two, the group memory circuit
16 records whether the display of pixels on 2 scanning electrodes for each group needs
to be changed, the identity and difference memory circuit 17 collectively records,
every 4 pixels, which pixel on the 2 scanning electrodes needs to be changed in the
display state, and the display memory circuit 15 records, for each pixel, the display
state into which the pixel is brought.
[0075] When the display of the FLCD 4 is "A B C D" shown in Fig. 3 and 9 x 8 matrix data
Data shown in Fig. 5 is inputted from the personal computer 2 to the display controller
13, the data of groups 0 to 3 indicate that display is changed and the data of groups
4 to 7 indicate that display is not changed in the group memory circuit 16 of the
display controller 13. The group 0 corresponds to the scanning electrodes L0 and L1.
The group 1 corresponds to the scanning electrodes L2 and L3. The group 2 corresponds
to the scanning electrodes L4 and L5. The group 3 corresponds to the scanning electrodes
L6 and L7.
[0076] A selection voltage shown in Fig. 11 (A) (1) is applied to the scanning electrodes
L0 and LI belonging to the group 0 in order. When the data of the identity and difference
memory circuit 17 corresponding to an pixel Aij on the scanning electrode Li to which
the selection voltage is applied is changed and the data of the display memory circuit
15 is in the display state of "dark", a rewriting voltage shown in Fig. 11 (A) (3)
is applied to the signal electrode Sj forming the pixel Aij so as to change the display
state of the pixel Aij into "dark". A holding voltage shown in Fig. 11 (A) (4) is
applied to a signal electrode Sh forming a pixel Aih (j ≠ h) on the scanning electrode
Li.
[0077] Then, a selection voltage shown in Fig. 11 (B) (1) is applied to the scanning electrodes
L0 and L1 belonging to the group 0 in order. When the data of the identity and difference
memory circuit 17 corresponding to the pixel Aij on the scanning electrode Li to which
the selection voltage is applied is changed and the data of the display memory circuit
15 is in the display state of "bright", a rewriting voltage shown in Fig. 11 (B) (3)
is applied to the signal electrode Sj forming the pixel Aij so as to change the display
state of the pixel Aij into "bright". A holding voltage shown in Fig. 11 (B) (4) is
applied to the signal electrode Sh forming the pixel Aih (j ≠ h) on the scanning electrode
Li.
[0078] Thereafter, the display of the FLCD 4 shown in Fig. 3 is changed from "A B C D" to
"E B C D" in the same manner as in the groups 1 to 3.
[0079] The display state of a pixel is decided as "dark" or "bright" by causing the polarizing
axis of the polarizing plate 10a shown in Fig. 2 to correspond to the direction of
a major axis in the stable state 104 or 105 of the FLC molecule shown in Fig. 7 (A).
If the polarizing axis corresponds to the direction of a major axis, one of the stable
states 104 and 105 is "dark" and the other is "bright". The pixel formed by the FLC
molecule in the stable state of "dark" is in the display state of "dark". The pixel
formed by the FLC molecule in the stable state of "bright" is in the display state
of "bright".
[0080] Not only the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 9 but also those of
voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 10 can be applied to a dynamic driving method for
rewriting pixels on all scanning electrodes. Each voltage waveform shown in Fig. 10
is different from each voltage waveform shown in Fig. 9 in that the quantities of
transmitted light are not equal to each other when voltage waveforms shown in Fig.
10 (6) and Fig. 10 (7) or (8) are applied to the pixel. In other respects, the voltage
waveforms of Fig. 10 are the same as those of Fig. 9. Therefore, further description
will be omitted.
[0081] The combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 10 can be applied to a static
driving method in similar to the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11.
In this case, the voltage waveform shown in Fig. 10 (A) (6) indicates that a voltage
V1 is applied for a time t0/2 and a voltage (-V1 - V0) is then applied for a time
t0. Consequently, a force acting on the FLC molecule by virtue of the voltage V1 should
be about twice as great as a force acting on the FLC molecule by virtue of the voltage
(V1 + V0).
[0082] The voltage waveform shown in Fig. 11 (A) (5) or Fig. 11 (B) (5) includes only a
voltage having a unipolarity. For this reason, it is relatively difficult to sense
a flicker attendant on rewriting even though there are performed driving operations
in which the scanning electrodes L0 and L1 belonging to the group 0 are driven based
on the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (A), pixels on the scanning
electrodes are rewritten based on the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig.
11 (A) or (B) by 4:1 jump scan, the scanning electrodes L0 and L1 belonging to the
group 0 are driven based on the combinations of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11
(B), and pixels on the scanning electrodes are rewritten based on the combinations
of voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (B) or (A) by the 4:1 jump scan.
[0083] Fig. 12 is a waveform diagram in which the scanning electrode LD is rewritten by
the voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (A), the group 6 is driven by the voltage waveforms
shown in Fig. 11 (A), the scanning electrode L2 is rewritten by the voltage waveforms
shown in Fig. 11 (B), the group 0 is driven by the voltage waveforms shown in Fig.
11 (B), the scanning electrode L2 is rewritten by the voltage waveforms shown in Fig.
11 (A), the group 0 is driven by the voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (A), the scanning
electrode L6 is rewritten by the voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (B), and the group
1 is driven by the voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (B). Figs. 12 (1) to (8) show
voltages to be applied to the scanning electrode L2, the scanning electrode L3, the
signal electrode S1, the signal electrode S2, the pixel A21, the pixel A22, the pixel
A31 and the pixel A 32, respectively.
[0084] As seen from the voltages to be applied to the pixels A21 and A22 shown in Figs.
12 (5) and (6), the quantities of transmitted light of the pixels A21 and A22 are
the largest when the combinations of applied voltage waveforms are changed from Fig.
11 (A) to Fig. 11 (B) or from Fig. 11 (B) to Fig. 11 (A), and the voltage waveform
of Fig. 11 (A) (5) or Fig. 11 (B) (5) is applied to the pixel A21 and A22.
[0085] The voltage waveforms shown in Fig. 11 (A) (5) or Fig. 11 (B) (5) is a unipolar pulse.
Consequently, the FLC molecule is only moved from the stable state 105 or 104 shown
in Fig. 7 (A) to the axis 107 or 106 by a critical tilt angle ± ϑ. If the tilt angle
ϑ is almost equal to a memory angle ω , the change of a quantity of transmitted light
made on pixels is not greatly different from that obtained by exchanging the combinations
of applied voltage waveforms of Fig. 11 (A) for those of Fig. 11 (B), or reversely.
Consequently, there can be realized driving in which a flicker is not strongly marked.
[0086] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase an apparent response
speed and enhance a contrast.