JP2004109814A - Electro-optical device, substrate for electro-optical device, and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To thinly form an electro-optical device and an electronic device having two different surfaces as display surfaces. <P>SOLUTION: The electro-optical device is a liquid crystal device 1 having a first display system 11a displaying an image on a first surface D1 and a second display system 11b displaying an image on a second surface D2 facing in the direction different from that of the first surface D1. The first displaying system 11a has a substrate 2 having a light transmissive property and a first image forming device formed on the first surface D1 side of the substrate 2. The second displaying system 11b has the substrate 2 and a second image forming device formed on the second surface D2 side of the substrate 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electro-optical device that displays an image using an electro-optical material such as a liquid crystal, a substrate used for the electro-optical device, and an electronic apparatus using the electro-optical device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants often include electro-optical devices such as liquid crystal devices and EL devices as display devices, for example. The electro-optical device includes a liquid crystal, an EL, or the like as an electro-optical material, and displays an image by utilizing a characteristic of the electro-optical material that changes due to a change in an electric field applied to the electro-optical material.
[0003]
For example, if a liquid crystal device is considered as an electro-optical device, by controlling the voltage applied to a liquid crystal layer as an electro-optical material for each of a plurality of display dots arranged in a matrix, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are controlled. Is controlled for each of a plurality of display dots. By this alignment control, the light supplied to the liquid crystal layer is modulated for each display dot, and the modulated light is supplied to an optical element such as a polarizing plate to display an image.
[0004]
By the way, in a conventional electronic device such as a mobile phone, the display unit is often provided at only one place. However, recently, the display unit is often provided on two different surfaces of the electronic device, for example, two surfaces on the front and back. In this case, conventionally, two electro-optical devices are overlapped with their back surfaces joined to each other (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-133927 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the structure in which the two electro-optical devices are overlapped as described above has a problem that the overall thickness of the electro-optical device and the overall thickness of the electronic device are too large.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to enable an electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus having two different surfaces to be formed to be thin.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) In order to achieve the above object, an electro-optical device according to the present invention is an electro-optical device that displays images on both a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction different from the first surface, A light-transmitting substrate; a first display system formed on the first surface side of the substrate; and a second display system formed on the second surface side of the substrate. .
[0009]
The first display system displays an image on the first surface, and the second display system displays an image on the second surface. Since the first surface and the second surface are different surfaces, the observer can recognize the display through these different surfaces. Further, in the present invention, the entire thickness of the electro-optical device can be extremely reduced as compared with a structure in which the first display system and the second display system have their own substrates.
[0010]
The first display system and the second display system are display systems that can be formed on a light-transmitting substrate, and their structures are not limited to specific structures as long as they can display an image. However, for example, (1) a so-called liquid crystal display structure in which planar light is supplied to the liquid crystal layer while controlling the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer for each display dot, or (2) an organic EL (Electro Electroluminescence). (Luminescence), a so-called organic EL structure in which a plurality of display dots are selectively emitted, and (3) a so-called plasma display structure in which a plasma discharge generated in a gas is selectively generated for each display dot. Can be adopted.
[0011]
(2) In the electro-optical device having the above-described configuration, the first surface and the second surface can be set so as to face substantially symmetrical directions separated by an angle of about 180 ° from each other. In this case, the first surface and the second surface have a relationship of facing each other. Therefore, the observer can recognize the display on the front surface and the back surface of the electro-optical device. This structure can be suitably used, for example, in a mobile phone having a structure in which display portions are provided on both front and back surfaces of a foldable cover.
[0012]
In order to make the first surface and the second surface have the 180 ° symmetrical position as described above, for example, the common substrate is formed in a flat plate shape, and the surface corresponding to the first surface of the common substrate is formed. And the planes corresponding to the second planes may be parallel to each other. If the surface corresponding to the first surface and the surface corresponding to the second surface of the common substrate are set to be not parallel to each other, the first surface and the second surface for displaying an image are symmetric at 180 °. Instead of the front and back surfaces, the first surface and the second surface forming an angle other than 180 ° may be used.
[0013]
(3) In the electro-optical device having the above-described configuration, the first display system and / or the second display system may include an electro-optical material layer provided on the common substrate, and an electric field applied to the electro-optical material layer. And control means for controlling As the electro-optical material, for example, a liquid crystal can be considered.
[0014]
(4) The electro-optical device having the above configuration may further include a light supply unit that supplies light to the electro-optical material layer. The light supply means includes: a first semi-transmissive reflective film provided on the first surface side of the substrate; a second semi-transmissive reflective film provided on the second surface side of the substrate; Lighting device provided on the side. In this case, the transmission light path of the first semi-transmission / reflection film and the transmission light path of the second semi-transmission / reflection film are provided so as to at least partially overlap with each other. It can be configured so as to be able to emit light toward one display system and to transmit light supplied from the first display system.
[0015]
In the above configuration, the transflective film is an optical element having a function of reflecting a part of the supplied light and transmitting another part. This function can be formed, for example, by partially providing an opening for light transmission in a light reflection film such as Al (aluminum) or by reducing the thickness of such a light reflection film. Further, since the lighting device is provided on the first surface side, the lighting device functions as a front light on the first surface side, and functions as a backlight on the second surface side.
[0016]
According to the electro-optical device having this configuration, reflection display can be performed on the first surface and the second surface using external light such as sunlight or indoor light. Further, with respect to the first surface, reflection type display can be performed using the illumination device as a front light. Further, with respect to the second surface, transmissive display can be performed using the lighting device as a backlight. As described above, only one illuminating device is required to perform display on two different surfaces, so that the overall thickness of the electro-optical device can be extremely reduced.
[0017]
By the way, the electro-optical device according to the present invention can use a total reflection film instead of the transflective film without using the transflective film. In this case, the transmission type display cannot be performed, and the display is performed exclusively by the reflection type.
(5) In the electro-optical device having the above-described configuration, the first display system and / or the second display system may include a color filter provided on the substrate, a counter substrate disposed to face the substrate, It is possible to have a plurality of dot-shaped electrodes provided on the opposing substrate corresponding to each of the plurality of display dots, and switching elements individually connected to the plurality of dot-shaped electrodes.
[0018]
In this electro-optical device, a counter substrate facing the common substrate is employed. Since a color filter is used, a color image can be displayed. As the switching element, for example, a two-terminal switching element such as a TFD (Thin Film Diode) element or a three-terminal switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) element can be used.
[0019]
(6) Next, an electro-optical device substrate according to the present invention is a substrate used for an electro-optical device that displays images on both a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction different from the first surface. A part or all of a first display system for displaying an image on the first surface is provided on a surface corresponding to the first surface, and further a second display system for displaying an image on the second surface is provided. A part or the whole of the display system is provided on a surface corresponding to the second surface.
[0020]
The present invention relates to a substrate for forming an electro-optical device, and more particularly to a substrate that can easily form an electro-optical device of a type capable of displaying an image on both of a first surface and a second surface. In the substrate according to the present invention, a part or the whole of the display system is formed on both surfaces of the surface corresponding to the first surface and the surface corresponding to the second surface. Can easily be manufactured. Note that, in the substrate according to the present invention, when the entire display system is formed on each of the surface corresponding to the first surface and the surface corresponding to the second surface, the formed structure is eventually It may be the electro-optical device itself according to the invention.
[0021]
(7) In the substrate having the above configuration, the surface corresponding to the first surface on which the image is displayed and the surface corresponding to the second surface, which is the other surface on which the image is displayed, have an angle of about 180 ° from each other. It can be set so as to face a substantially symmetrical direction that is separated. In this case, since the two surfaces of the substrate are substantially parallel to each other, the substrate is formed in a flat plate shape. In addition, the board | substrate which concerns on this invention can also be formed so that the surface corresponding to a 1st surface and the surface corresponding to a 2nd surface may make an appropriate angle which is not parallel instead of such a flat shape.
[0022]
(8) Next, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the electro-optical device having the above-described configuration, and control means for controlling an operation of the electro-optical device. As such an electronic device, for example, a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, a computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and other various devices are considered. According to this electronic device, the thickness of the built-in electro-optical device can be extremely reduced, so that the thickness of the electronic device itself can also be reduced.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Embodiments of electro-optical device and substrate)
Hereinafter, an electro-optical device according to the present invention will be described by taking a liquid crystal device as an example. Further, a substrate according to the present invention will be described by taking a substrate used for a liquid crystal device as an example.
[0024]
FIG. 1 shows a liquid crystal device 1 which is an embodiment of an electro-optical device according to the present invention, and a common substrate 2 which is an embodiment of a substrate according to the present invention. The common substrate 2 is formed of, for example, a light-transmitting glass or a light-transmitting plastic, and a first opposing substrate 4a is bonded to one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1) of the common substrate 2 by a sealing material 3a. A second opposing substrate 4b is attached to the other surface (the lower surface in FIG. 1) of the common substrate 2 by a sealant 3b. The sealing members 3a and 3b are formed of, for example, an epoxy-based resin, and have an electrical connection between them between the common substrate 2 and the first opposing substrate 4a and between the common substrate 2 and the second opposing substrate 4b. In order to achieve a proper conduction, a large number of particulate conductive materials are contained in a dispersed state.
[0025]
A first polarizing plate 6a is attached to an outer surface of the first opposing substrate 4a, and a second polarizing plate 6b is attached to an outer surface of the second opposing substrate 4b. A lighting device 7 is provided at a position facing the outer surface of the first counter substrate 4a. The lighting device 7 includes a light source 8 formed by a point-like light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light receiving surface of the light source 8 and a lower surface thereof, that is, a surface facing the first counter substrate 4a. And a light guide 9 that emits planar light from the light guide 9. The light source 8 is not limited to a point light source such as an LED, but may be a linear light source such as a cold cathode ray tube.
[0026]
The light guide 9 is made of, for example, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, glass, or the like, and is further arranged at a small distance from the polarizing plate 6, as shown in FIG. A three-dimensional pattern for emitting light to the outside is formed on the surface of the light guide 9 facing the first counter substrate 4a or on the surface on the opposite side, if necessary.
In FIG. 2, one surface D1 of the liquid crystal device 1 is a first surface for displaying an image. The other surface D2 is a second surface for displaying an image. That is, the liquid crystal device 1 can display an image on two different surfaces. In the present embodiment, the first surface D1 and the second surface D2 are provided in a symmetrical positional relationship separated from each other at an angle of about 180 °, that is, a substantially parallel positional relationship, that is, a front-to-back positional relationship.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by an arrow A in FIG. In FIG. 3, a first display system 11a is formed on the first surface D1 side of the common substrate 2. A second display system 11b is formed on the second surface D2 side of the common substrate 2. In the present embodiment, the first display system 11a and the second display system 11b have exactly the same configuration.
[0027]
The first display system 11 a includes a resin layer 12 formed on the surface of the common substrate 2, a reflective film 13 laminated thereon, a color filter 14 formed thereon, and an overlayer laminated thereon. A coat layer 16, a plurality of opposing electrodes 17 formed thereon, an alignment film 18 formed thereon, a first opposing substrate 4a opposing the common substrate 2, and an inner surface of the first opposing substrate 4a , A plurality of dot-shaped electrodes 19 formed thereon, an alignment film 18 formed thereon, and a liquid crystal 21 which is filled in a gap between the first opposing substrate 4a and the common substrate 2 to form a layer. Reference numeral 29 denotes a spacer for maintaining a gap between the common substrate 2 and the first opposing substrate 4a. Further, the first display system 11a has a first polarizing plate 6a attached to an outer surface of the first counter substrate 4a.
[0028]
The reflection film 13 is formed of a material capable of reflecting light, for example, Al (aluminum). The overcoat layer 16 is formed of a resin film such as acryl or polyimide, or an inorganic film such as a silicon oxide film. The counter electrode 17 is formed of, for example, a metal oxide such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The alignment film 18 is formed of, for example, polyimide, and the alignment film 18 is subjected to an alignment process such as a rubbing process. The first opposing substrate 4a is formed of translucent glass or translucent plastic. The dot-shaped electrode 19 is formed of, for example, a metal oxide such as ITO. As the liquid crystal 21, for example, a TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal is used.
[0029]
In FIG. 3, when the plurality of dot-shaped electrodes 19 are viewed from above in the direction of arrow B, they are as shown in FIG. As shown, each of the dot-shaped electrodes 19 is formed in a square or a rectangle, that is, a rectangle. The plurality of dot-shaped electrodes 19 are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions in the effective display area V shown in FIG. On the other hand, in FIG. 3, one of the plurality of counter electrodes 17 formed on the common substrate 2 is formed linearly in the left-right direction of FIG. They are arranged parallel to each other in the direction perpendicular to the paper.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 4, a region where the dot-shaped electrode 19 and the counter electrode 17 overlap as viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3 constitutes a display dot 22, which is the minimum unit for display. These display dots 22 are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions in the effective display area V of FIG. Next, in the color filter 14 shown in FIG. 3, the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) correspond to the individual display dots 22 in a predetermined pattern, for example. It is formed by arranging in a stripe pattern, a delta pattern or a mosaic pattern. Instead of the three primary colors of R, G, and B, three primary colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) can be used. In a portion of the layer of the color filter 14 corresponding to a region deviating from the display dot 22, a black light-shielding region formed by laminating R, G, and B, that is, a black mask 26 is formed in a lattice shape.
[0031]
Further, openings 15 are formed in the reflection film 13 and the resin layer 12 so as to correspond to the individual display dots 22. In the case of performing the reflection type display, the display is performed using the light reflected by the reflection film 13. On the other hand, in the case of performing transmission-type display, display is performed using light transmitted through the opening 15. If the thicknesses of the reflective film 13 and the resin layer 12 are reduced, light can be transmitted through the reflective film 13 and the resin layer 12 without forming the opening 15.
[0032]
In FIG. 4, a plurality of line wirings 23 are formed in regions outside the display dots 22 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the counter electrode 17. Each dot electrode 19 is electrically connected to an adjacent line wiring 23 via a switching element 24. As shown in FIG. 5, each TFD element 24 is formed by connecting a first TFD element 27a and a second TFD element 27b in series. This TFD element 24 is formed, for example, as follows.
[0033]
That is, first, the first layer 28a of the line wiring 23 and the first metal 31 of the TFD element 24 are formed by TaW (tantalum tungsten). Next, the second layer 28b of the line wiring 23 and the insulating film 32 of the TFD element 24 are formed by anodizing. Next, the third layer 28c of the line wiring 23 and the second metal 33 of the TFD element 24 are formed by, for example, Cr (chromium).
[0034]
The second metal 33 of the first TFD element 27a extends from the third layer 28c of the line wiring 23. Further, the dot-shaped electrode 19 is formed so as to overlap the tip of the second metal 33 of the second TFD element 27b. Considering that an electric signal flows from the line wiring 23 to the dot-shaped electrode 19, the electric signal flows in the order of the second electrode 33 → the insulating film 32 → the first metal 31 in the first TFD element 27a according to the current direction. On the other hand, in the second TFD element 27b, an electric signal flows in the order of the first metal 31, the insulating film 32, and the second metal 33.
[0035]
That is, a pair of electrically opposite TFD elements are connected in series between the first TFD element 27a and the second TFD element 27b. Such a structure is generally called a back-to-back structure, and the TFD element having this structure is compared with a case where the TFD element is configured by only one TFD element. It is known that stable characteristics can be obtained. In the drawing, reference numeral 34 indicates a base film provided as needed.
[0036]
In FIG. 3, the second display system 11b formed on the second surface D2 side of the common substrate 2 can be configured in exactly the same manner as the first display system 11a described above. Therefore, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The second opposing substrate facing the common substrate 2 on the second surface D2 side can be formed of exactly the same material as the first opposing substrate 4a opposing the common substrate 2 on the first surface D1 side. The substrate is indicated using the reference 4b.
[0037]
In FIG. 1, the first opposing substrate 4 a has an overhang portion 5 a that protrudes outside the common substrate 2. Then, the driving IC 36x and the driving IC 36y are mounted on the overhang portion 5a by using a joining element, for example, an ACF (Anisotropic Conductive Film) 37. Similarly, the second opposing substrate 4b also has an overhang 5b, on which the driving IC 36x and the driving IC 36y are mounted.
[0038]
When viewing the first display system 11a, the output terminal of the driving IC 36x, that is, the output bump is directly connected to the line wiring 23 formed on the first opposing substrate 4a. As a result, a signal output from the driving IC 36x, for example, a data signal is supplied to the dot electrode 19 via the line wiring 23 and the switching element 24. On the other hand, the output terminal of the driving IC 36y is connected to the counter electrode 17 on the common substrate 2 via a conductive material mixed in the sealing material 3a. As a result, a signal output from the driving IC 36y, for example, a scanning signal is supplied to the counter electrode 17. The same applies to the relationship between the driving IC 36x and the dot-shaped electrode 19 and the relationship between the driving IC 36y and the counter electrode 17 in the second display system 11b.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, a light supply unit that supplies light to the liquid crystal layer 21 is realized by a combination of the illumination device 7, the reflective film 13, the opening 15 provided in the reflective film 13, and the like. The liquid crystal control means for controlling the electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer 21 for each of the plurality of display dots 22 arranged in a matrix comprises a combination of the dot-shaped electrode 19, the counter electrode 17, the driving IC 36x, the driving IC 36y, and the like. It is realized by.
[0040]
Hereinafter, the operation of the liquid crystal device 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, in FIG. 3, a case where an image is displayed on the first surface D1 in a reflection system using external light is considered. In this case, external light R <b> 1 such as sunlight or room light is taken into the first display system 11 a through the light guide 9, and the light reflected by the reflection film 13 is supplied to the liquid crystal layer 21. When the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the display dot 22 selected by the scanning signal and the data signal changes in response to the signal voltage, the light passing through the portion is modulated, and the modulated light is changed to the first polarization. An image is displayed on the first surface D1 depending on whether or not it passes through the plate 6a, and the observer can recognize this image.
[0041]
Next, a case is considered where an image is displayed on the first surface D1 in a reflective manner using illumination light. In this case, the planar light R2 from the light guide 9 of the illumination device 7 functioning as a front light is taken into the first display system 11a, and the light reflected by the reflection film 13 is supplied to the liquid crystal layer 21. Then, display is performed on the first surface D1 using this light. When the first surface D1 on which the lighting device 7 is provided is used as a display surface, transmission-type display using the opening 15 formed in the reflective film 13 is not performed.
[0042]
Next, a case is considered where an image is displayed on the second surface D2 by a reflection method using external light. In this case, external light R3 such as sunlight or indoor light is taken into the second display system 11b, the light reflected by the reflective film 13 is supplied to the liquid crystal layer 21, and the second surface is used by using this light. The display is performed on D2.
[0043]
Next, a case where an image is displayed on the second surface D2 in a transmission manner using illumination light is considered. In this case, the planar light R4 from the light guide 9 of the illumination device 7 functioning as a backlight transmits through the opening 15 of the reflective film 13 in the first display system 11a and transmits through the common substrate 2. Further, the light is transmitted through the opening 15 of the second display system 11b and supplied to the liquid crystal layer 21 in the second display system 11b, and the light is used to perform display on the second surface D2. In order to achieve such a function, the optical path of light passing through the opening 15 of the reflective film 13 in the first display system 11a and the optical path of light passing through the opening 15 of the second display system 11b are at least partially. Preferably, they all overlap.
[0044]
As described above, according to the liquid crystal device 1 according to the present embodiment, display can be performed on both of the two different surfaces, the first surface D1 and the second surface D2. In the liquid crystal device 1, since the substrate 2 of the first display system 11a and the substrate 2 of the second display system 11b are common, each of the first display system 11a and the second display system 11b has its own substrate. The overall thickness of the liquid crystal device 1 can be made extremely thin as compared with the structure. Further, since only one lighting device 7 is used, the entire thickness of the liquid crystal device 1 can be reduced as compared with a case where the lighting devices are provided in each of the first display system 11a and the second display system 11b.
[0045]
(Modification)
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a transflective film having an opening 15 is used as the reflective film 13. Instead, a total reflection film having no transmission function can be used as the reflection film 13. In this case, both the display using the first surface D1 and the display using the second surface D2 are performed by the reflection method. Also in this case, the thickness of the liquid crystal device can be reduced by using the common substrate as the substrate 2 on which the reflective film 13 is formed.
[0046]
Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first display system 11a and the second display system 11b are liquid crystal devices of an active matrix type using a TFD element as an active element, and having the same structure. However, these display systems can also be constituted by liquid crystal devices having different structures from each other.
[0047]
For example, (1) they can be constituted by an active matrix type liquid crystal display system having a different structure. Also, (2) one may be constituted by an active matrix type liquid crystal display system, and the other may be constituted by a simple matrix type liquid crystal display system without using switching elements. Also, (3) one may be constituted by a liquid crystal display system, and the other may be constituted by a display system using an electro-optical material other than liquid crystal, for example, a display system using an organic EL or plasma discharge.
[0048]
Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first surface D1 and the second surface D2 are arranged parallel to each other. Instead, an appropriate angle may be provided between the first surface D1 and the second surface D2. In such a configuration, for example, instead of making the surface corresponding to the first surface D1 and the surface corresponding to the second surface D2 of the common substrate 2 parallel to each other, an appropriate angle is formed between the surfaces. Can be realized by
[0049]
(Embodiment of electronic device)
FIGS. 6A and 6B show a mobile phone as an embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention. The mobile phone 41 shown here has a pair of housings 42a and 42b that can be folded together, and FIG. 6A shows a state where those housings are folded, that is, a non-use state, and FIG. Indicates a state in which the casings are opened, that is, a use state.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 6B, an electro-optical device 51 is stored as a display device inside one housing 42a. A second display opening 43b is provided on the outer surface of the housing 42a as shown in FIG. 6A, while the second display opening 43b is provided on the inner surface of the housing 42a as shown in FIG. One display opening 43a is provided. The liquid crystal device 51 can be configured using, for example, the liquid crystal device 1 having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. In this case, the first surface D1 corresponds to the first display opening 43a as illustrated in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6A, the second surface D2 is located corresponding to the second display opening 43b.
[0051]
An earpiece 47 having a speaker 46 and an antenna 44 are provided in the housing 42a in which the liquid crystal device 51 is stored. The other housing 42b is provided with a mouthpiece 52 having a plurality of operation keys 48 and a microphone 49. In addition, a control circuit for controlling the operations of the electro-optical device 51 and the mobile phone 41 is housed in an appropriate place inside the housing 42a or the housing 42b.
[0052]
Since the mobile phone 41 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, when the housings 42a and 42b are folded as shown in FIG. 6A, they are displayed on the second surface D2 of the electro-optical device 51. Images such as letters, numbers, figures, etc. can be observed from the outside through the second display opening 43b. In this case, it is desirable to display information necessary when the mobile phone 41 is not used on the second surface D2.
[0053]
When the housings 42a and 42b are opened as shown in FIG. 6B, images such as characters, numbers, and graphics displayed on the first surface D1 of the electro-optical device 51 are passed through the first display opening 43a. Observable from outside. In this case, it is desirable to display information necessary for using the mobile phone 41 on the first surface D1.
[0054]
As described above, when an image is displayed on both sides of the housing 42a, that is, on a plurality of different surfaces, the liquid crystal device 1 having the structure shown in FIG. By using, the overall shape of the mobile phone 41 can be formed very thin.
[0055]
(Modification)
The electronic device is not limited to the mobile phone having the external shape and structure shown in FIG. 6, but may be a mobile phone having another external appearance and structure. In addition, devices other than mobile phones, such as personal digital assistants, personal computers, wristwatch-type electronic devices, PDAs, liquid crystal televisions, viewfinder or monitor direct-view video tape recorders, car navigation devices, The present invention can also be applied to pagers, electronic organizers, calculators, word processors, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, and the like.
[0056]
(Other embodiments)
As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the invention described in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a liquid crystal device as an embodiment of an electro-optical device according to the present invention and a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall cross-sectional structure of the liquid crystal device of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in detail a portion indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a display dot portion in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a switching element.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mobile phone as one embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Liquid crystal device (electro-optical device)
2: Common substrate
4a, 4b: counter substrate
5a, 5b: Overhanging part of substrate
6: Polarizing plate
7: Lighting device
8: Light source
9: Light guide
11a: First display system (first display means)
11b: 2nd display system (2nd display means)
13: Reflective film
15: Opening
17: Counter electrode
19: Dot electrode
21: Liquid crystal
22: Display dot
23: Line wiring
24: Switching element
36: Drive IC
41: Mobile phone (electronic device)
51: Electro-optical device
D1: First surface
D2: Second surface
R1 to R4: light
V: Effective display area

Claims (8)

An electro-optical device that displays images on both surfaces of a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction different from the first surface,
A light-transmitting substrate;
A first display system formed on the first surface side of the substrate;
An electro-optical device, comprising: a second display system formed on the second surface side of the substrate. 2. The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are oriented in substantially symmetric directions separated from each other by an angle of about 180 °. In claim 1 or claim 2,
The first display system and / or the second display system include:
An electro-optic material layer provided on the substrate,
Control means for controlling an electric field applied to the electro-optical material layer. In claim 3,
Further comprising light supply means for supplying light to the electro-optical material layer,
The light supply means,
A first transflective film provided on a first surface side of the substrate;
A second transflective film provided on the second surface side of the substrate;
A lighting device provided on the first surface side,
The transmitted light path of the first transflective film and the transmitted light path of the second transflective film at least partially overlap,
The electro-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is capable of emitting planar light toward the first display system and transmitting light supplied from the first display system. In at least one of claims 1 to 4,
The first display system and / or the second display system include:
A color filter provided on the substrate,
An opposing substrate disposed opposite to the substrate,
A plurality of dot-shaped electrodes provided on the counter substrate corresponding to each of a plurality of display dots,
An electro-optical device, comprising: a plurality of dot-shaped electrodes; A substrate used in an electro-optical device that displays images on both surfaces of a first surface and a second surface facing in a direction different from the first surface,
Having a part or the whole of a first display system for displaying an image on the first surface on a surface corresponding to the first surface,
A substrate having a part or the whole of a second display system for displaying an image on the second surface on a surface corresponding to the second surface. 7. The substrate according to claim 6, wherein the first surface and the second surface are oriented in substantially symmetric directions separated from each other by an angle of about 180 °. An electronic apparatus comprising: the electro-optical device according to claim 1; and control means for controlling an operation of the electro-optical device.

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