Abstract: A multiple view directional display comprises a pixelated image display layer having a plurality of first pixels assigned to display a first image and a plurality of second pixels assigned to display a second image, and a parallax barrier aperture array for directing light from the first pixels generally into a first viewing window and for directing light from the second pixels generally into a second viewing window not overlapping the first viewing window. The display further comprises first light directing means for re-directing light emitted from a first lateral edge region of each first pixel away from the second viewing window.

Abstract: A multiple view display comprises a display device and a plurality of converging lenses, such as a lenticular screen. Each lens cooperates with a respective region of the display device comprising one or more pixels (L) for displaying part of a first image for viewing in a first viewing region (Region 2 windows) and second pixels (R) for displaying part of a second image for viewing in a second region (Region 1 windows). The second pixels (R) are spaced horizontally from the first pixels (L). Each lens comprises first and second portions (Region 1, Region 2) extending vertically and parallel to each other and having lens centres (Lens Centre 1, Lens Centre 2) spaced apart horizontally. Each lens forming first and second images of the respective region of the display device, the first and second images being displaced from one another in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A directional backlight, a multiple view display and a multi-direction display A multiple view display (18) comprises a directional display device (19) for displaying a first image or sequence of images so as to be mainly visible from a first range of directions relative to the device and for simultaneously displaying a second image or sequence of images so as to be mainly visible from a second range of directions relative to the device different from the first range. The display (18) further comprises a directional backlight (20) for directing light through the display device (19) at least mainly in the first and second ranges. Since the directional backlight (20) directs light through the display device (19) at least mainly in the first and second ranges, the display provides users located in the first and second ranges with images of greater intensity than a conventional display.

Abstract: A multiple view directional display comprises a pixellated image display layer having a plurality of first pixels (P1) assigned to display a first image and a plurality of second pixels (P2) assigned to display a second image, and a parallax barrier aperture array (21) for directing light from the first pixels generally into a first viewing window (2) and for directing light from the second pixels generally into a second viewing window (3) not overlapping the first viewing window. The display further comprises first light directing means (31) for re-directing light emitted from a first lateral edge region (25) of each first pixel away from the second viewing window.

Abstract: A multiple view display comprises a parallax optic such as a parallax barrier (25) and a spatial light modulator (20) having a plurality of pixels arranged as rows and columns. The parallax optic (25) cooperates with the pixel structure to create a plurality of primary viewpoint-corrected viewing windows. The rows are arranged as groups and the parallax elements are arranged as rows. Each parallax element is aligned with a respective group of rows of the pixels. The pixels comprise sets of pixels of different colors arranged so that the sequence of visible colors viewable in each viewing window through each parallax element of each row of parallax elements is different from the sequence of pixel colors visible through the or each nearest parallax element in the or each adjacent row of parallax elements.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing the visibility of crosstalk between images in a multiple view display for simultaneously displaying two or more images independently of each other for viewing in different directions by different viewers. A multiple view display typically comprises a liquid crystal panel (20) and a parallax barrier (21) forming a dual view display for two viewers. The panel (20) comprises an array of pixels of elongate shape and arranged so as to be elongate in the horizontal direction of the normal image orientation on the panel (20). Crosstalk compensation may be provided in a display controller for the display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a plasma arc torch is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma torch adapter for relocating a mounting location of plasma torch consumables with respect to a plasma arc torch. The adapter is configured to be mounted between a plasma arc torch and the plasma torch consumables. The adapter is connectable to a consumable interface of the torch and includes a generally longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The adapter includes a first connector at the first end of the body that is adapted to mate with the consumable interface. The adapter further includes a second connector at the second end of the body for mating with a set of plasma torch consumables, such that a second mounting location for consumables is established in a spaced relationship relative to the first connector, the mounting location adjacent the second connector.

Abstract: A nozzle for a plasma arc cutting torch includes a substantially hollow, elongated body capable of receiving an electrode. The nozzle body defines a longitudinal axis and has a length along the axis from a first end of the nozzle body to a second end of the nozzle body. The nozzle also includes a plasma exit orifice disposed at the first end of the body. The first end of the nozzle body has a width and a ratio of the length of the nozzle body to the width of the nozzle body is greater than about 3.

Abstract: A display which includes a plurality of sub-pixels each split into a plurality of sub-regions. Each sub-pixel includes a single gate line and a single signal line, and each sub-region within a given sub-pixel includes a corresponding storage capacitor line. An optical element cooperatively combines with the plurality of sub-pixels to create distinct angularly dependent brightness functions in association with corresponding sub-regions within the sub-pixels. Control electronics are configured to provide image data levels in the form of signal data voltages to each sub-region included within each sub-pixel via the gate line and signal line included within the sub-pixel; and to independently modify the signal data voltages provided to each sub-region within the sub-pixels via the corresponding storage capacitor lines whereby the display operates in accordance with at least two different image functions.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling a plasma torch to a receptacle including a connector body configured to receive a mating connector body. The connector body is attachable to a power supply or a plasma arc torch. One or more circumferentially shaped blades extend axially from a surface of the connector body and form a blade ring. One or more gaps can be disposed relative to the surface of the connector body. The plurality of gaps are defined by and between the circumferentially shaped blades. A distance of the gaps between the circumferentially shaped blades extends along a portion of the circumference of the blade ring. The plurality of gaps can be asymmetrically distributed about the blade ring to facilitate proper rotational alignment, and are shaped to align with corresponding circumferentially shaped blades of the mating connector body.

Abstract: A light guide includes a light guide substrate having a top surface through which light is to be emitted, a bottom surface, an incident edge surface through which incident light is to be introduced into the light guide substrate, and another edge surface. The another edge surface includes at least one micro structure operative to reflect at least a portion of the incident light, which travels through the light guide substrate and is incident on the another edge surface, back within the light guide substrate.

Abstract: A camera flash comprises a light guide arranged to extract light at least through one surface; and one or more light sources arranged, in use, to emit light into the lightguide. Each light source is an LED or a laser diode. The camera flash is connectable, in use, to drive circuitry, the drive circuitry being for driving the light source(s) to emit a pulse of light. The waveguide spreads out the light from the light source(s), so that a flash of light from the camera flash does not present a safety risk, while minimising loss of the light from the light source(s). The camera flash can thus provide a high overall optical output, spread over an extended area (as defined by the waveguide). The lightguide may for example be disposed around a camera module of a mobile telephone camera.

Abstract: A display comprises: a transmissive pixilated spatial light modulator (21); and a backlight (22). The backlight has a light-transmissive waveguide (26), with a first face of the waveguide being opposed to the spatial light modulator (21). The first face of the waveguide comprises a plurality of regions that are not totally internally reflective for at least one polarization of light propagating within the waveguide, and the remainder of the first face of the waveguide is totally internally reflective for light propagating within the waveguide. Light is extracted from the waveguide at the regions where first face of the waveguide is not totally internally reflective. The pitch of the regions where first face of the waveguide is not totally internally reflective is substantially an integer multiple of the pitch of the pixels of the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A backlight is provided for illuminating an at least partially transmissive display. The backlight includes a light source. A light guide receives the light from an edge surface and guides the light by total internal reflection. The light extracted from the lightguide has an angular emission profile such that when incident on a prism film, collimated light is produced.

Abstract: A display is provided having private and public viewing modes. The display comprises a display device and a parallax optic (3) comprising an array of parallax elements (4). Each of the elements (4) co-operates with a set of pixels (1,2) having at least one first pixel (1) and at least one second pixel (2). A line (23) passing through the centre (21) of each first pixel (1) and the centre (22) of the cooperating parallax element (4) extends into a first viewing region (20a). The parallax elements (4) re-strict viewing of the first pixels (1) to the first viewing region and permit viewing of the second pixels (2) in a second viewing region. The display device displays a private image in the private viewing mode by means of only the first pixels (1) and displays a non-private image in the public viewing mode by means of at least the second pixels (2).

Abstract: A display comprises a parallax optic (2), such as a combined parallax barrier and lens array, and a pixellated display device (1). The pixels of the display device (1) are arranged as groups cooperating with a parallax element (4) of the parallax optic (2). Each group comprises a first pixel (A) aligned with the centre of the parallax element (4), second and third pixels (B, C) on either side of the first pixel (A), and fourth pixels (D) shared with adjacent groups and disposed outside the second pixels (B, C). The parallax elements (4) make the different pixels of each group visible in different viewing regions. A control arrangement selects regions of the display and selects different combinations of the pixels of each group for image display within respective regions so as to provide simultaneously-present different viewing modes having different viewing range characteristics.

Abstract: A parallax optic comprises plural, spaced apart lenses which are separated by regions which are non-transmissive of/to visible light. In some embodiments, the spaced apart lenses of the parallax optic are discrete elements of a lens array. In other embodiments, the lens elements are formed as convex elements integral with and extending from a lenticular layer. Parallax optic devices are combined with one or more image display elements to form an image display device. For embodiments of image display devices featuring or providing two-dimensional (2D) viewability, the parallax optic is preferably near or included in the image display element. On the other hand, for embodiments of image display devices featuring or providing three-dimensional (3D) viewability, the parallax optic is situated outside the image display element.

Abstract: A multiple view display comprises a display device such as a liquid crystal device, a parallax optic such as a parallax barrier, and a controller. The device comprises rows and columns of pixels and the controller supplies image data for a first view to first ones of the pixels and second ones of the pixels such that the first and second pixels alternate in the rows and in the columns. The parallax optic comprises rows and columns of parallax elements with the arrangement of pixels and parallax elements being such that each element co-operates with a respective pair of first and second pixels adjacent each other in the same row to form first and second viewing regions. Each row of parallax elements is off-set in the row direction by half the horizontal barrier pitch. Such an arrangement allows wider angles between the viewing regions to be achieved.

Abstract: A display comprises: a transmissive pixellated spatial light modulator (21); and a backlight (22). The backlight has a light-transmissive waveguide (26), with a first face of the waveguide being opposed to the spatial light modulator (21). The first face of the waveguide comprises a plurality of regions that are not totally internally reflective for at least one polarisation of light propagating within the waveguide, and the remainder of the first face of the waveguide is totally internally reflective for light propagating within the waveguide. Light is extracted from the waveguide at the regions where first face of the waveguide is not totally internally reflective. The pitch of the regions where first face of the waveguide is not totally internally reflective is substantially an integer multiple of the pitch of the pixels of the spatial light modulator.