Abstract: A liquid crystal device is provided that comprises a layer of liquid crystal material (2) disposed between two cell walls (4, 6) in an arrangement such that the liquid crystal material (2) can adopt any one of two or more stable liquid crystal configurations that will persist in the absence of an applied electric field. The liquid crystal device is operable in two modes; a first mode in which application of an appropriate latching voltage pulse can select any one of the two or more stable liquid crystal configurations, and a second mode in which application of an electric field can switch the layer of liquid crystal material from a latched configuration to a switched configuration and in which the layer of liquid crystal material will return to said latched configuration when the applied electric field is removed.

Abstract: An achromatic half wave plate includes a first twisted nematic liquid crystal layer, a second twisted nematic liquid crystal layer, and a uniaxial half wave plate between the first twisted nematic liquid crystal layer and the second twisted nematic liquid crystal layer. In one embodiment the first twisted nematic liquid crystal layer and the second twisted nematic liquid crystal layer have an identical twist angle of 135 degrees. The optic axis at the entrance of the first twisted nematic liquid crystal layer is substantially orthogonal to the optic axis at the exit of the second twisted nematic liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A reflective-type multi-color display device is capable of obtaining a vivid and bright multi-color display with less display layers, and therefore, with a state where a parallax is decreased and a cost of the device can be reduced. Specifically, the display device of the present invention includes a cell 51 having a display layer 31 comprising a right-handed cholesteric liquid crystal which selects and reflects blue, a cell 53 having a display layer 33 comprising a left-handed cholesteric liquid crystal which selects and reflects green, a cell 57 having a display layer 37 comprising a right-handed cholesteric liquid crystal which selects and reflects yellow and a cell 55 having a display layer 35 comprising a left-handed cholesteric liquid crystal which selects and reflects red, these layers being laminated in this order from the observation side. A color filter 43 which transmits red and absorbs the other color light is provided between the cell 57 and the cell 55.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying an image to a viewer, including: a back light for emitting a light for use in displaying; a polarization beam splitter for separating into two parts the emitted light from the back light and projecting one thereof as a polarized light in a specified direction toward a reflecting type LCD display device; the LCD display device for causing the incident light to be reflected at a reflecting film on the back surface thereof to emit a specified displaying light in a polarized condition; and a pixel shifting unit on which the polarized displaying light from the reflective LCD display device after passing through the polarization beam splitter is caused to be incident so that a high-resolution display can be obtained by performing 2-point or 4-point pixel shift.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image display device that is capable of displaying a stereoscopic image without a deterioration of resolution. The apparatus differentiates color signals with respect to the same pixel zone every desired time interval to obtain a blinking light source effect. Accordingly, the deterioration of resolution can be minimized.

Abstract: A multi-layer, neutral-density sheet with memory properties, includes a transparent substrate and a transparent, electrically conductive layer formed over the transparent substrate. The multi-layer sheet further includes a plurality of light modulating layers formed over the transparent electrically conductive layer, each light modulating layer being formed of polymer with a dispersion of cholesteric liquid crystal material having memory properties and selected so that in combination with cholesteric liquid crystal in other layers are controllable between a first, light reflecting neutral-density state and the second transparent state.

Abstract: An improved digital differential group delay (DGD) controller is capable of producing variable DGD used to compensate for DGD in a fiber optic link in real time. The DGD controller comprises one or more sets of a polarization modulator optically coupled with a fixed delay component, such as a birefringent plate. Each set provides an amount of DGD compensation. By controlling the number of stages in the controller, the amount of DGD compensation provided by each stage, and which stages are placed in the ON state, the total amount of DGD compensation provided by the digital DGD controller can be varied.

Abstract: A reflection-type liquid crystal display device includes a first liquid crystal display layer having a first liquid crystal layer including a liquid crystal molecule, a p-type dichroic dye and a polymer; a reflecting polarizer disposed to transmit linearly polarized light having a polarization direction in a transmitted axis direction of the first liquid crystal display layer; and the second liquid crystal display layer including a polarizer disposed to transmit the linearly polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal display layer and reflecting polarizer, a second liquid crystal layer capable of bright/dark display depending on presence or absence of an applied voltage, and a reflector, wherein the first liquid crystal display layer, reflecting polarizer and second liquid crystal display layer are stacked in this order from the side light is incident from, thus providing a reflection-type liquid crystal display device with desirable display quality, capable of bright and high-contrast displ

Abstract: A color, high-throughput, ferroelectric liquid crystal-based light valve comprising a light input, a light output, a beam splitter, a color separator, reflective spatial light modulators, and a switchable half-wave plate. Light polarized parallel to a first direction is received through the light input. Light from the light input and reflected by the spatial light modulators is output from the light output. The reflective spatial light modulators are structured as a quarter-wave plates and each has a principal axis that switches through an angle &phgr;. The beam splitter has orthogonal directions of maximum transmissivity and maximum reflectivity, one of which is parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: A transportable image display system having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. The image display system comprises a spatial light modulation structure for spatially modulating the intensity of light produced from a light source, and light diffusing panel of electro-optical construction having a light scattering state in which light being transmitted therethrough is scattered in a diffusive manner, and a light transmission state in which light being transmitted therethrough is transmitted without substantial scattering. In the illustrative embodiments, the spatial light modulation structure can be an electrically-addressable LCD panel, or slide-film structures to be viewed. During the direct viewing mode, light produced from the light source is scattered by the light diffusing panel and spatial intensity modulated by the spatial light modulation structure to form a first image for direct viewing.

Abstract: A color display includes a substrate defining first and second opposite support surfaces. The first conductor is disposed over the first surface and defining a first pattern. A second conductor is disposed over the second surface and defining a second pattern. A first light modulating layer is disposed over the first conductor including a liquid crystal material having a chiral dopant selected so that regions can be placed in a state where colored light is reflected in a first portion of the spectrum. A second light modulating layer is disposed over the second conductor including a liquid crystal material having a chiral dopant selected so that regions can be placed in a state where colored light is reflected in a second portion of the spectrum. A third conductor is disposed over the first light modulating layer and defining a third pattern.

Abstract: An ultra high resolution photographic printing system that generates and rasterizes multiple sub-images synchronized with positioning coordinates that program a moving-matrix light valve during sequentially timed exposures. Diagonal displacement masking operations prepare a 16384×12288 ultra high resolution image for bicubic resampling that generates four unique 4096×3072 intermediate images. These four intermediate images are sieve-sorted based on X and Y modal logic into four unique image sets of 16 unique 1024×768 raster images per set. Each of the 64 unique images sequentially reconstruct a unique “window screen view” of the original high resolution image as dictated by the geometry of the moving-matrix light valve. The moving-matrix light valve is positioned with dual axis micro-stepping motors and leadscrew assemblies. The serial geometry of the light valve RGB elements is sequentially converted to parallel geometry in the printed image.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device, comprising a first liquid crystal cell having first pixels arranged in a matrix shape, the first liquid crystal cell having a first sub-field and a second sub-field, a second liquid crystal cell having second pixels arranged in the matrix shape, the second liquid crystal cell being stacked with the first liquid crystal cell so as to form picture elements, and a circuit for selecting and driving the first pixels and the second pixels in each of the first sub-field and the second sub-field so that a difference between a brightness of the picture elements in the first sub-field and a brightness of the picture elements in the second sub-field is compensated.

Abstract: There are provided a circular transparent electrode provided on a first substrate at the center thereof, a plurality of annular transparent electrodes which are disposed outside the circular transparent electrode concentrically and narrowed in width and interval as they are directed outward, extension electrodes which extend crosswise outward from the center to an external terminal electrode, and an alignment layer on these electrodes. There are also provided a transparent electrode on an entire surface of a second substrate, and an alignment layer on the transparent electrode, wherein the first and second alignment layers are subjected to a parallel aligning treatment. The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other while keeping a given internal by gap members disposed outside the annular transparent electrodes, and a nematic liquid crystal is sealed in a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: An improved 2D/3D display is disclosed. In one embodiment, the display uses both an imaging LCD and a secondary LCD. The secondary LCD is a light line forming LCD which can be placed between a light line forming system and the imaging LCD for eliminating ghost images, or can be used as the light line forming system itself. Variations of a glass sandwich employing an imaging liquid crystal layer and a line forming liquid crystal layer are disclosed. Alternatively, the secondary LCD may comprise a liquid crystal layer and a series of polarizing strips. Displays in which a 2D or 3D window can be viewed within a 3D or 2D window, respectively, are disclosed using light line forming systems and alternatively using light line forming LCD's which have the opaque stripes divided into individually controllable areas. Movement of one window within another window is disclosed. Also disclosed is a strip diffuser for improving visual characteristics in 3D mode and movable elements for alternating between 2D and 3D mode.

Abstract: The visual display device of the present invention comprises a masking, a liquid crystal cell (LCD) and an illuminating light, in which display contents are not lost even when an decoration is provided in the portion being superposed on a display information, the decoration can be effected without blocking the illuminating light, and an decorating image are exchangeable so that a variety of contents of the decorating image can be cope with. As for its constitution, there are disposed, in the following order when viewed from the outside, a screen 1 (the masking plate), an LCD 2, an illuminating (light beam guiding) plate 3, an (decorating) image information plate 5 and a reflecting plate 6; the light beam guiding plate 3 is not of self-luminous element but guides a light beam from the side thereof to refract it; and the image information plate 5 is made exchangeable.

Abstract: A device for influencing light has a polarizer, a ferroelectric or electroclinic response type liquid crystal halfwave plate whose liquid crystals are in the smectic phase with bookshelf geometry and have molecular axes which are rotatable around a first direction corresponding to the direction of incoming light in response to an electric field applied across the electrodes on either side of the halfwave plate, a quarter wave retarder plate, and a mirror. The polarizer, plates and mirror are arranged such that incoming light is passed from the polarizer through the liquid crystal plate and the retarder plate, and is reflected by the mirror in a second direction opposite to the first direction back through the retarder and the liquid crystal plate so as to provide a reflected polarized light plane to the polarizer.

Abstract: A reflective display apparatus enhancing a contrast ratio does not use a quarter wavelength plate and adjusts a switching angle of each molecular axis of a compensator and a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) display device, to thereby enhance a contrast ratio. The reflective display apparatus is used for manufacturing an FLC projection TV using a polarizing beam splitter (PBS).

Abstract: An electro-optical backlighting panel construction for use in portable computer-based systems having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the electro-optical backlighting panel is integrated with a LCD display panel, a micropolarization panel, and a touch-screen writing panel to provide several different types of portable computer-based systems including, for example, a portable notebook computer, a computer-driven image display device, and a portable pen-computing device. In general, each of these computer-based systems are capable of selectively displaying color video images on an actively driven display surface, or projecting such video images onto a wall surface or projection screen. These computer-based systems can be easily reconfigured for projection viewing without any sort of physical modification to the LCD display panel assembly.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method of operation generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements arranged in an array; an image projector for selectively projecting images on respective optical elements to generate a first volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device; and a floating-image generator for projecting the first volumetric three-dimensional image to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space at a location separate from the multi-surface optical device. The optical elements includes liquid crystal elements having a controllable variable translucency.

Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter construction (18), suitable for a glass shield and a welding glass filter, which shutter construction is able to switch between a high light absorbing dark state and a low light absorbing transparent state, and vice versa, comprising low twisted nematic type liquid crystal cells with a twisting angle between 0.degree. and just below 90.degree., and an electronic circuit output generating a variable cell driving voltage higher than about twice the threshold voltage for at least one of the liquid crystal cells and with a polarity switching frequency of less than 1 Hertz.

Abstract: An integral indicator or display for a welding lens, which has a twisted nematic liquid crystal cell light shutter, includes plural independently operable twisted nematic liquid crystal cell indicator portions integral with the light shutter twisted nematic liquid crystal cell, indicia associated with respective indicator portions to indicate an operating characteristic of the welding lens, circuitry for operating the lens and the indicator portions, and one or more switches for stepping the circuit through respective settings of operating characteristics, such as shade darkness, sensitivity and delay time. The indicator is dark when the light shutter is dark, and the light shutter may include in optical series with the twisted nematic liquid crystal cell, a birefringent liquid crystal cell light shutter which is faster acting than the twisted nematic liquid crystal cell and can be driven to various shades at respective speeds depending on applied electric field.

Abstract: A novel multi-layer display cell is disclosed in which contrast ratios similar to that available from cells which use polarisers are achieved, as well as levels of reflectivity similar to that available from cells that do not use polarisers. This is achieved by using two or more compartments for the display cell separated by dielectric membranes. The electro-optic characteristics of the mixture in the two compartments differs in that the mixture in one of the compartments switches at a low voltage, being switched completely below the switching threshold of material in the other of the compartments.

Abstract: An optical waveguide (5) for use in the in the visible range, the infrared range or the ultraviolet range. The waveguide has two cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers (10) positioned parallel to each other, forming a gap between them. When electrically modulated to an `on` state, one or more of the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers become optically reflective, so that the waveguide becomes internally reflective, allowing a light beam (15) to be transmitted along the waveguide. The liquid crystal polymer is optically non-reflective when electrically modulated to an `off` state. The cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers are each disposed on a substrate (30) having an electrically conductive layer (35) disposed between the substrate and the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer. A modulating means impresses an electrical signal upon the cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layers to convert them from the optically reflective state to the optically non-reflective state.

Abstract: A transportable image display system having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. The image display system comprises a spatial light modulation structure for spatially modulating the intensity of light produced from a light source, and light diffusing panel of electro-optical construction having a light scattering state in which light being transmitted therethrough is scattered in a diffusive manner, and a light transmission state in which light being transmitted therethrough is transmitted without substantial scattering. In the illustrative embodiments, the spatial light modulation structure can be an electrically-addressable LCD panel, or slide-film structures to be viewed. During the direct viewing mode, light produced from the light source is scattered by the light diffusing panel and spatial intensity modulated by the spatial light modulation structure to form a first image for direct viewing.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus of the invention includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates with alignment films formed at interfaces between the liquid crystal layer and the respective substrates. The alignment films regulate aligning conditions of liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, the liquid crystal layer includes two or more liquid crystal layer regions of different aligning conditions, and at least one of the alignment films has surface tensions which are different from each other in surface regions thereof corresponding to the respective liquid crystal layer regions of different aligning conditions.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a plurality of switching elements formed on a face of the first substrate, which is opposite to the second substrate, a common electrode formed on a face of the second substrate, the face being opposite to the first substrate, a plurality of liquid crystal layers stacked on the second substrate to hold the common electrode between the layers and the second substrate, and arranged between the first and second substrates a plurality of projection electrodes selectively formed on the liquid crystal layers and a plurality of pixel electrode each formed on a corresponding one of the liquid crystal layers. The pixel electrodes respectively formed between a corresponding couple of the liquid crystal layers are connected to a corresponding one of the switching elements formed on the first substrate through one or several of the protrusion electrode/electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method generate volumetric, three-dimensional displays, including displays of images or data. An apparent position of a volumetric image is translated by employing an image translation chamber with various combinations of concave and convex reflectors, mirrors, lenses, and/or holographic optical elements. A high-speed opto-mechanical shutter may also be used, as well as acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) for very high-speed intensity modulation of a coherent light beam to generate a periodic pattern of light packets or pulses. Active and passive multi-planar optical elements (MOEs) are also used in either a reflective or a transmissive mode and optionally having interposed layers of switchable liquid crystal material. A multi-planar optical sensor with interposed layers of light-sensitive material may be employed, as well as a gas imaging chamber for displaying the three-dimensional images. The system and method also allow interaction with the volumetric display of an image.

Abstract: An electro-optical backlighting panel construction for use in portable computer-based systems having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the electro-optical backlighting panel is integrated with a LCD display panel, a micropolarization panel, and a touch-screen writing panel to provide several different types of portable computer-based systems including, for example, a portable notebook computer, a computer-driven image display device, and a portable pen-computing device. In general, each of these computer-based systems are capable of selectively displaying color video images on an actively driven display surface, or projecting such video images onto a wall surface or projection screen. These computer-based systems can be easily reconfigured for projection viewing without any sort of physical modification to the LCD display panel assembly.

Abstract: A liquid crystal welding glass structure whose density increases when welding is commenced includes two liquid crystal cells which are mounted between polarization filters which have an extinguishing effect on one another. When mounting the filters, the filters are turned so that their respective angular dependencies on the optical density counteract one another. With the intention of improving this compensating effect, the brushing/rubbing of the mutually opposing limiting walls which determine the direction of the molecules is limited to at least one of the component cells whose relative angular displacement differs from 90.degree. and is smaller than or coincident with 85.degree.. The angle is preferably between 20.degree. and 85.degree..

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: A reconfigurable backlighting construction for use in portable computer-based systems having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, the backlighting construction is integrated with a LCD display panel, a micropolarization panel, and a touch-screen writing panel to provide several different types of portable computer-based systems including, for example, a portable notebook computer, a computer-driven image display device, and a portable pen-computing device. In general, each of these computer-based systems are capable of selectively displaying color video images on an actively driven display surface, or projecting such video images onto a wall surface or projection screen without the need for a bulky overhead projector, required by all prior art systems. These computer-based systems can be easily reconfigured for projection viewing without physical removal of the light guiding panel and its light diffusing structures.

Abstract: A plurality of pixels are arrayed in a matrix format on the liquid crystal panel of a liquid crystal display. GH liquid crystal layers and transparent electrodes for displaying a plurality of different colors are alternately stacked on a reflecting plate, and therefore each pixel has three liquid crystal layers. Pieces of potential information supplied to the respective liquid crystal layers are controlled by switching elements connected to signal lines and scanning lines. The signal lines and the scanning lines are respectively connected to driving ICs, which are connected to a signal processing circuit. In each pixel, while the potential information of one liquid crystal layer is controlled, the remaining liquid crystal layers are set in a floating state.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a first liquid crystal cell and one or more additional liquid crystal cells. Each of the liquid crystal cells is positioned so that their extraordinary optical axis (N.sub.e) lies orthogonal to the next liquid crystal cell, and the group of cells is positioned along the optical axis of light emitted by an image source. The modulator, or scanner, thereby capable of steering substantially 100% of unpolarized light therethrough. The modulator intended for use within a display system additionally composed of an image source, driver/control circuitry and an optical magnification system. In operation, an external stimulus is applied, such as a voltage supplied by an external power source, thereby spatially 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.

Abstract: A system for achieving a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric display by using a successive stack of transparent two-dimensional planar layers each having light-absorbing elements representing contours as dark features associated with individual respective slices through a three-dimensional object in a direction perpendicular to the plane of view of each of the planar layers so that the combined assembled volumetric display when viewed achieves a volumetric display which may be reconfigured using physical, chemical, electronic and computer-assisted means, so as to effect a dynamic volumetric display.

Abstract: An antiferroelectric liquid crystal device of the present invention includes at least a first antiferroelectric liquid crystal cell and a second antiferroelectric liquid crystal cell, wherein the first and second antiferroelectric liquid crystal cells respectively have an antiferroelectric liquid crystal material interposed between a pair of electrode substrates each having an electrode film and an alignment layer, and the first and second antiferroelectric liquid crystal cells are disposed so that a normal to an antiferroelectric liquid crystal layer of the first antiferroelectric liquid crystal cell is orthogonal to a normal to an antiferroelectric liquid crystal layer of the second antiferroelectric liquid crystal cell.

Abstract: An electrically activated infrared filter utilizes a mixture of infrared absorbing dyes in liquid crystal which normally presents a substantial cross section of dye to absorb the infrared component of impinging light. Polarizing light to be parallel to the direction of liquid crystal alignment enhances the absorption of infrared components. In an alternative embodiment, a chiral additive to the liquid crystal solution increases the dye cross section density which, by absorption, attenuates a higher proportion of the infrared wavelengths. A predetermined voltage differential across the cell aligns the liquid crystal and dye molecules to the voltage gradient, presenting a substantially non-absorptive path to the infrared components of impinging light.

Abstract: A high-resistance transparent electrode is bonded on the opposite surface of a first glass substrate from a second glass substrate, and a low-resistance transparent electrode is bonded on the opposite surface of the second glass substrate from the first glass substrate. A pair of deflecting angle control electrodes are fixed to the high-resistance transparent electrode in parallel. A liquid crystal orientation film covers the high-resistance transparent electrode and the deflecting angle control electrodes, and another liquid crystal orientation film covers the low-resistance transparent electrode. Spacers are disposed in parallel between the liquid crystal orientation films, and the cell formed by the liquid crystal orientation films and spacers is filled with a nematic liquid crystal.

Abstract: A display arrangement comprises an image intensifier tube or some other device which provides a representation of a viewed scene at an input. A supertwist LCD and associated polarizers and are located between the input and a viewer. A ferroelectric liquid crystal shutter is located between the LCD and second polarizer and is controlled to produce symbology. By switching the shutter the polarization of the incident radiation is switched between two states differing by 90.degree.. This causes the LCD to operate in two states. In one state the viewed scene is transmitted through the LCD and in the other state it is absorbed and any symbology on the LCD is contrasted with a dark absorbing background. The shutter is switched sufficiently quickly that the viewer perceives the symbology overlaid on the viewed scene. In another arrangement, lens means having focusing properties which are dependent on the incident polarization is included to allow switching between different display modes.