An in-plane-switching liquid crystal display unit has a two-dimensional matrix of pixel regions each including a first auxiliary region and a second auxiliary region. When no electric field is applied, liquid crystal molecules in the first and second auxiliary regions are directed in respective orientations that lie at 90.degree. with respect to each other. When a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated in the same direction while maintaining their orientations in the first and second auxiliary regions at 90.degree. with respect to each other. Alternatively, the liquid crystal molecules in the first and second auxiliary regions are directed in the same orientation when no electric field is applied, and when a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated 15 opposite directions while maintaining their orientations in symmetric relationship.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/350,077, filed Jan. 24, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,987,551 which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/965,619, filed Nov. 6, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,839, issued on Jun. 24, 2003; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Priority Data
Nov 06, 1996 [JP] 96/293897 Mar 06, 1997 [JP] 97/051899 Apr 28, 1997 [JP] 97/111160
