Abstract: A dual mode optical magnifier system (22) including a plurality of multi-order diffractive optical elements (24) having at least one reflective, refractive and conventional diffractive surface formed thereon, that in combination are operable between a low magnification virtual image display mode (26) and a high magnification virtual image display mode (28). The multi-order diffractive optical elements (24) include a plurality of zones defined by P.times.2.pi., where P is an integer. The use of multi-order diffractive optical elements (24) enables the elements (24) to be very planar and compact in form so as to be incorporated into portable electronic equipment (40 and 60) such as cellular telephones, pagers, smart card readers (20), computers, or the like, while enabling the desired magnification level to be achieved.

Abstract: A visual display system, composed of an array of light emitting devices, forming an image source, a phase spatial light modulator scanner, driver/control circuitry and an optical magnification system. The display system being enclosed within a housing, thereby forming an optical magnifier. The phase spatial light modulator scanner is operative in either a transmissive mode or a reflective mode. In operation, an external stimulus, such as a voltage, is applied to the scanner, thereby changing the phase of light emitted therethrough. The scanning action enhances display resolution of the generated resultant image without an increase in the number of pixels of the image source. The phase spatial light modulator scanner operates by scanning sub-pixels, pixel groups, and/or sub-arrays of the image source.

Abstract: An optical smart card (10) including a microchip (14) having information stored thereon, an optical holographic sensor pad (16) capable of detecting and collecting light beams emitted from a remote reader/transmitter (52), a light source (18) capable of emitting dataelectronic information contained on the microchip (14) back to the remote reader/transmitter (52) and electronics (20) connected to the sensor pad (16), the light source (18) and the microchip (14).

Abstract: A smart card device (10) including a portable housing (11) with a viewing aperture (25) and a virtual image display (30) positioned to provide an image at the aperture (25) of information contained on a smart card (13) as well as transactions processed in response to data transmitted by a transceiver (17) between a host database (96) and the smart card device (10). A sensor (15) in the housing (11) constructed to have the smart card (13) with data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition and electronics (16) mounted in the housing (11) and connected to the sensor (15) for processing data between the host database (96) and the smart card device (10), the electronics (16) further connected to the sensing structure (15) for reading and writing data thereto, the communications transceiver (17) for transmitting and receiving data between the smart card device (10) and the host database (96), and the virtual image display (30) for supplying image data.

Abstract: A dual card smart card reader including a portable housing with a viewing aperture and a virtual image display positioned to provide an image at the aperture. A sensor in the housing constructed to have a first smart card with data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition and a second smart card with access data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition. The second smart card serving as a security feature and allowing for access and/or editing to certain information contained on the first smart card. Electronics mounted in the housing and connected to the sensor for receiving sensed data and sensed access data and further connected to the virtual image display for supplying image data thereto.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell and a reflective element. The modulator capable of receiving and modulating substantially 100% of unpolarized light impinging thereupon. The modulator intended for use within an electro-optical system additionally composed of a light source, driver/control circuitry and an optional optical magnification system. In operation, an external stimulus is applied, such as a voltage supplied by an external power source, thereby changing the phase of light emitted therethrough, generating two beams of light traveling in different directions. The first beam of light impinges upon the reflective element and is reflected to travel in the same directional path as the second beam of light.

Abstract: A smart card (12) including a microchip (14) having information stored thereon, a virtual image display (16) and electronics (22) further connected to the virtual image display (16) for supplying image data thereto. The virtual image display (16) including compact display optics (25) housed within the smart card (12), or having at least a portion thereof positioned in an accessory component (17), for viewing information stored on the smart card (12) at a viewing aperture (18).

Abstract: A smart card reader including a portable housing with a viewing aperture and a virtual image display positioned to provide an image at the aperture. A sensor in the housing constructed to have a smart card with data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition and electronics mounted in the housing and connected to the sensor for receiving sensed data and further connected to the virtual image display for supplying image data thereto.

Abstract: An integrated electro-optical package including a dual sided opto-electronic device, composed of a substrate with an array of light emitting devices (LEDs) formed on a first major surface thereof, and at least one vertical cavity surface emitting laser formed on an opposed second major surface of the substrate. A mounting structure formed so as to allow for the mounting of the dual sided opto-electronic device on the interior major surfaces, and further having electrical conductors for cooperating with the LEDs and VCSEL of the opto-electronic device. A driver substrate having electrical connections for interfacing with the mounting structure and the dual sided opto-electronic device. A plurality of driver circuits connected to the mounting structure and dual sided opto-electronic device through connection pads formed on the driver substrate.

Abstract: An array of reflective LCSLM pixels formed on a substrate with a light polarizing layer positioned between the array and a light source. An overmolded housing defining an optical waveguide having a light input, a light output, and a mirrored surface directing light from the input toward the output, the polarizing layer being mounted to allow light passing into the optical waveguide to pass therethrough. The light source provided to direct light through the polarizing layer and evenly illuminate the array. Light reflected from the array is directed onto the mirrored surface of the optical waveguide. A diffuser at the output forms an image plane for the reflected light. Electrical connections are made from the array to a circuit board on which it is mounted. All components are encapsulated by the overmolded housing, having leads formed in the housing to provide external contacts.

Abstract: An interactive electronic game system (10) composed of at least one control unit (12) for receiving, monitoring, compiling and transmitting game data and information and several personal display units (14) for controlling game play and displaying game data and information. The personal display units (14) and the control unit (12) being in constant omni-directional communication. The personal display units (14) of the system having an aperture (100) formed therein, and capable of receiving and displaying game data and information in a direct view image and/or a virtual image.

Abstract: An optical correction layer for a light emitting apparatus having gaps in brightness at the light-emitting surface. The optical correction layer includes a plurality of optical correction regions centered over the gaps, and a plurality of optically transparent regions which overlay the remainder of the light-emitting surface. The optical correction regions include appropriately formed grooves which collect and redirect light adjacent the gap. The light is redirected to cover and effectively conceal the gap. The optically transparent regions permit light to travel through, without redirection.

Abstract: A switchable lens/diffuser including an optical component constructed to form an optical image in cooperation with light directed thereon and a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material having a clear state and a diffusing state, the layer of material being positioned in conjunction with the optical component so that the optical component forms an optical image when the layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material is in the clear state and the layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal material serves as a diffusing screen to form an image in cooperation with the light directed thereon in the diffusing state.

Abstract: A planar substrate including a bundle of optical fibers extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and defining a mounting area on the first surface with a two-dimensional array of light emitting devices affixed thereto as an image generator. Real images are transmitted through the bundle to the appear as a real image at the second surface. A single fold optical magnifier including a plurality of optical elements having an aspheric field flattening light inlet positioned adjacent the second surface to receive the real image from the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A business card scanning system (101) is provided. A hollow body (102) having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first aperture (104), and a second aperture (103) is formed. The first aperture (104) is used for inserting a business card (111) into the hollow body (102) past a sensor (109) to generate data. A display (405) is positioned in the hollow body (102) for viewing. Data is subsequently processed by the data processing circuits (409) and stored in the data storage circuits (409).

Abstract: An array of reflective liquid crystal spatial light modulator pixels is formed on a substrate with a light polarizing layer positioned in overlying relationship to the array. An optical waveguide is positioned adjacent the polarizing layer and has a light source mounted adjacent an end thereof so that light is directed into the optical waveguide and further has a plurality of diffraction gratings formed therein so that deflected light evenly illuminates the array and allows passage of reflected light from the array back through the waveguide. Electrical connections are made from the array, through leads in the waveguide and to external contacts. A diffuser is mounted in overlying and spaced relationship to the waveguide to form an image plane for reflected light from the array.

Abstract: An array of reflective LCSLM pixels formed on a substrate with a light polarizing layer positioned in overlying relationship to the array. A mounting support includes a waveguide portion having a light input, a light output, and a mirrored surface directing light from the input toward the output, the polarizing layer and the array are mounted on the input. A light source is mounted in the mirrored surface to direct light through the polarizing layer and evenly illuminate the array. Light reflected from the array is directed through the polarizing layer and onto the mirrored surface. A diffuser at the output forms an image plane for the reflected light. Electrical connections are made from the array, through leads in the support and to external contacts.

Abstract: A portable data source with a binocular virtual image display includes a pair of viewing apertures positioned for binocular viewing, image generation apparatus operably attached to receive data from the data source, and the image generation apparatus including an array of at least 100 by 100 LEDs for providing, from the received data, a real image including either a plurality of lines of alpha-numerics, graphics, or both. The real image has a luminance of less than 15 fL. A fixed optical system produces, from the real image, a pair of virtual images one each perceivable through the pair of viewing apertures.

Abstract: An array of reflective LCSLM pixels and control circuits formed on a substrate with a light polarizing layer positioned in overlying relationship to the array. A housing having the array and polarizing layer mounted therein, and defining an opening covered by an optical layer with a reflective member affixed to the optical layer. A light source mounted in the housing so that light is directed onto the reflective member and is reflected uniformly onto the polarizing layer. Electrical connections are made from the array, through leads in the housing and to external contacts. The optical layer including a diffuser forming an image plane for reflected light from the array.