Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal material interposed between a transparent front plate and a back plate. The cholesteric liquid crystal material is switchable between a transparent state and a reflective state in response to an electric field applied in a first direction. In the reflective state the material reflects light characterized by a first wavelength when no electric field is applied. Electrodes are provided for applying an electric field lied to the cholesteric liquid crystal material in the reflective state in a second direction distinct from the first direction. In this manner the cholesteric liquid crystal material is altered to cause the material to reflect light characterized by a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. A display device may thus be produced having pixels capable of a wide range of colors, thereby achieving a multicolored image for the display.

Abstract: A selectable three dimensional virtual pointer (501) that can be selected by a collaborator and displayed within a virtual collaboration environment (200) as being sourced by an avatar (202) that corresponds to the collaborator who selected the pointer. This pointer can be used, for example, to point towards a given object (205) within the virtual collaboration environment. So configured, in a preferred approach this orientation with respect to source and target persists regardless of which collaborator views the pointer (and hence the perspective view of the pointer varies with respect to the viewer in order to ensure this orientation).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reducing the size of a projection display system. This is achieved by using an emissive imager that comprises a large number of emissive pixels. The emissive pixels provide both light output and light modulation functions. This eliminates the need for a separate illumination source. Each emissive pixel represents a pixel (or a sub-pixel for color projection) of an image to be projected. The light signals produced and modulated by the emissive imager are passed through a microlens array. The microlens array collects and reshapes the emitted light signals from the emissive pixels. Each microlens forms a light beam with a concentrated non-Lambertian radiation profile. The non-Lambertian radiation profile helps in effective collection of light at a projection lens. Finally, the projection lens collects this light and projects a magnified image on a projection screen.

Abstract: A projection display device (104) to provide a high resolution projected image is disclosed. The projection display device includes a communication unit (202) to communicate with a host device (102) for receiving one or more encoded inputs, a system processor (204) to decode the one or more encoded inputs, and generate a high resolution display, and a display unit (206) to project the high resolution display. The communication unit is further capable of enabling the host device to control the projection display device.

Abstract: A cell of a combination full color and monochromatic display comprises a first polarizer, a second polarizer and an optical switching cell. The optical switching cell is positioned between the first polarizer and the second polarizer and is operable to alter the polarization of transmitted light. A backlight emits light that is incident upon the second polarizer. A hologram positioned between the backlight element and the second polarizer reflects a portion of an ambient light incident upon the hologram. The display may be operated in a first mode, for which the backlight elements emits light of a plurality of colors, and a second mode for which the backlight emits light of at most one color.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for telepresence communications in an environment of a virtual location between two or more participants at multiple locations. First perspective data descriptive of the perspective of the virtual location environment experienced by a first participant at a first location and feature data extracted and/or otherwise captured from a second participant at a second location are processed to generate a first virtual representation of the second participant in the virtual environment from the perspective of the first participant. Likewise, second perspective data descriptive of the perspective of the virtual location environment experienced by the second participant and feature data extracted and/or otherwise captured from features of the first participant are processed to generate a second virtual representation of the first participant in the virtual environment from the perspective of the second participant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact color illumination device (100) for emitting collimated light. The illumination device comprises a reflector cup (102), a blazed diffraction grating (108) formed on the inner surface of the reflector cup, and a plurality of light emitting sources (110) positioned linearly in a focal plane of the reflector cup. Each light emitting source emits a different color of light that is incident on the blazed diffraction grating. The light emitted by the light emitting sources is reflected by the blazed diffraction grating, wherein the reflected light is collimated.

Abstract: A head-up display includes an image source, such as a laser scanner, a means for diffusing light and a transparent element that can include a holographic element. The laser scanner emits a visible light for generating an image. The means for diffusing light receives the visible light from the laser scanner to project the image thereon, and preferably apply gain thereto. The transparent element produces a virtual or a real image of the image from the means for diffusing light. In a vehicle, the head-up display is configured to reflect the image into the vehicle to provide a virtual image ahead of a driver.

Abstract: A dual mode display (100) includes a monochrome reflective direct view display (110) and a full color virtual display (150) located behind the monochrome reflective direct view display. The monochrome reflective direct view display includes a display panel (112) having a first pixel arrangement and a narrowband reflector (114) located behind the display panel. The virtual display has a second pixel arrangement, wherein each pixel emits light in one of three primary color bands through the monochrome reflective direct view display, and wherein the light emitted by each pixel, in combination with light emitted by other pixels of the virtual display, generates a full color virtual image from the dual mode display. In one embodiment the virtual display is a virtual high information content display and the three primary color bands (205, 210, 215) do not overlap a first color band of the narrowband reflector (220).

Abstract: A full color display and photocell device (100) includes a fast response liquid crystal display (105) that has a rate of at least 75 monochrome frames per second, a transparent panel light (140) behind the fast response LCD that can emit a monochromatic light beam having a selected one of three colors, and a photovoltaic cell (150) behind the transparent panel light that converts light energy emanating from the transparent panel light into electrical energy. The full color display and photocell device (100) may also include a controller (160) that synchronizes information coupled to the fast response LCD and controls the transparent panel light to emit a sequence of monochromatic light beams of three colors.

Abstract: An electromyogram device (10) have a conformable housing (11) that houses or otherwise supports an electromyogram signal processor (13), electromyogram sensors (14), and a display (15) that provides, for example, information corresponding to one or more muscle condition parameters such as muscular fatigue. In various embodiments, the device can further include additional displays (34), memory (31), audible alarm mechanisms (32), and/or a wireless receiver and/or transmitter (33). In one embodiment, such devices can communicate amongst one another to permit central and/or remote display of the resultant electromyogram information.

Abstract: A passive multi-indicia visual position indicator (30) is used to visually indicate to a user (11) when the user occupies a position that comprises a predetermined desired position with respect to a given object (10). The indicator can be comprised of a single integral structure or can be comprised of a plurality portions. The indicator can comprise any of a wide variety of color and/or graphics related imagery. In one embodiment, the indicator has an annularly-shaped form factor. In one embodiment, the indicator comprises an applique that can be provided in a retrofitting kit that includes appropriate corresponding instructions.

Abstract: A body part position detector 12 (or detectors) provides information regarding the position of a predetermined body part to a virtual image tactile-entry information interface generator 12. The latter constructs a virtual image of the information interface that is proximal to the body part and that is appropriately scaled and oriented to match a viewer's point of view with respect to the body part. A display 13 then provides the image to the viewer. By providing the image of the information interface in close proximity to the body part, the viewer will experience an appropriate haptic sensation upon interacting with the virtual image.

Abstract: A multi-color, solid-state lighting device includes a stack of two or more panels, each panel having an array of light emitting semiconductor components formed thereon. To form the light emitting components, high quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying a monocrystalline layer of silicon formed on a low cost substrate, such as glass. The growth of the monocrystalline materials is accomplished by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline materials. An accommodating buffer layer comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from a silicon by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer.

Abstract: A multi-color, solid-state lighting device includes a stack of two or more panels, each panel having an array of light emitting semiconductor components formed thereon. To form the light emitting components, high quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying a monocrystalline layer of silicon formed on a low cost substrate, such as glass. The growth of the monocrystalline materials is accomplished by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline materials. An accommodating buffer layer comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from a silicon by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying a monocrystalline layer of silicon formed on a low cost substrate, such as glass. The growth of the monocrystalline materials is accomplished by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline materials. An accommodating buffer layer comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from a silicon by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon and the overlying monocrystalline material layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon layer is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer.

Abstract: A lighting device suitable for low power applications, such as backlighting a liquid crystal display (LCD), includes plural light emitting components and photovoltaic elements formed on a monocrystalline silicon substrate. To fabricate the lighting device, high quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying the silicon substrate by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. One way to achieve the formation of a compliant substrate includes first growing an accommodating buffer layer on a silicon wafer. The accommodating buffer layer is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline material layer.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. An accommodating buffer layer comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline material layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer. Optical processing layers can be placed on monocrystalline layers to process photons produced in the monocrystalline layers.

Abstract: A system for use as an optical switch is disclosed. The system includes light emitting devices formed using high quality epitaxial layers of compound semiconductor materials overlying an accommodating buffer layer on a silicon wafer. The system also includes a tunable electro-optic substrate over the compound semiconductor material, and a polarization beam splitter over the electro-optic substrate. The tunable electro-optic substrate is used to change the polarization of the light emitted from the light emitting devices. The polarization beam splitter is used to guide the light beam, depending on the polarization, in two different directions. The system, together, acts as an optical switch.

Abstract: An optical bus communicates data between external devices by sending and receiving emissions between an optical source and an optical detector within an enclosure. Each optical source may be paired with an optical detector to form a source-detector pair. The optical source and the optical detector can be formed within a semiconductor structure which forms at least part of the enclosure. The semiconductor structure includes high quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials that can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. An accommodating buffer layer comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from a silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer.