Abstract: An optical filter includes an array of light-transmissive beads in a matrix of opaque binder that surrounds one portion of the beads to provide light entrances and exit apertures for incident light to pass substantially only through the beads. A polarizing layer is disposed between the apertures and the viewing surface of the filter for improved rejection of ambient light. The polarizing layer transmits linearly polarized image light aligned with the polarization axis while attenuating randomly or orthogonally polarized ambient light, resulting in improved image contrast.

Abstract: An optical filter includes an array of light-transmissive beads in a matrix of light absorbing binder that surrounds one portion of the beads to provide light entrances and exit apertures for incident light to pass substantially only through the beads. A transparent layer under the light absorbing layer may serve to increase the diameter of the exit apertures. A structure or layer of light-dispersing material that exhibits anisotropic dispersion of incident light along orthogonal axes is disposed relative to the beads to disperse light within a wider output angle along one of the orthogonal axes than along another of the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: High spatial frequency optical noise in the form of intensity contrasting picture elements in the display of a projected light image on a bead-oriented image-enhancing filter is significantly reduced by interposing light-scattering material in the optical path between a source of the projected light image and the display in order to inhibit formation and interference of coherent light waves, and to mask the appearance of separate or discrete beaded apertures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collimating light of projected images establishes limited few designs of Fresnel lenses to accommodate conventional image projection system having a wide range of sizes of viewing screens for the projected images. A multi-layer image-enhancing filter is disposed to receive substantially collimated image light exiting the Fresnel lens. A light-transmissive structure includes a substrate layer supporting a single layer of contiguously-arranged beads of light transmissive material disposed on an incident surface of the substrate layer. A Fresnel lens includes angularly-pitched segments on one surface and an array of a plurality of elongated lenses aligned in one direction on an opposite surface of the Fresnel lens for passing a projected light image therethough to the layer of beads on the substrate layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collimating light of projected images establishes limited few designs of Fresnel lenses to accommodate conventional projection systems having a wide range of sizes of viewing screens for the ted images. A multi-layer image-enhancing filter is disposed to receive Substantially collimated image light exiting the Fresnel lens.

Abstract: Single-layer and multi-layer light filters each having an array of light transmissive beads provide substantially independent and simultaneously optimized control of optical properties such as gain, contrast, transmittance, dispersion, and ambient light rejection using additional light transmissive layers. Such light filters can include light transmissive layers defining a lens curved over a plurality of the beads for effecting greater dispersion of image light horizontally or vertically, and conformal layers defining a lens curved over individual beads for increasing an effective radius of curvature of such beads. Additional pluralities of smaller beads are included in interstitial gaps in an array of larger beads for improving transmittance of some embodiments of light filters of the present invention. Light filters of the present invention are beneficially used as rear projection screens and light diffusers, and are ideal for use in or with flat-panel displays and the like.

Abstract: Multi-layer light filters provide optimized gain control, contrast, and ambient light rejection through the addition of optical layers to a basic refraction light filter. These additional layers allow adjustment of the gain, contrast, and ambient light rejection of light filters in a substantially independent manner, and can be combined to simultaneously optimize these optical properties.

Abstract: Multi-layer light filters provide optimized gain control, contrast, and ambient light rejection through the addition of optical layers to a basic refraction light filter. These additional layers allow adjustment of the gain, contrast, and ambient light rejection of light filters in a substantially independent manner, and can be combined to simultaneously optimize these optical properties.