US Patent 7239366 Liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal orientation method

A slit pattern, which is an orientation control element extending in an oblique direction relative to an edge of a pixel electrode on a surface of a TFT substrate, is formed in the pixel electrode to extend in a substantially parallel direction to an extending direction of a bank-shaped pattern. Furthermore, as an orientation control element, fine slit patterns (concave portions in the pixel electrode) are formed locally in a part near the edge of the pixel electrode except in the pixel electrode to extend in an oblique direction relative to an extending direction of the edge.