Abstract: In a particular, a high contrast projection system configured for front or rear projection includes a screen having a viewing side and a back side opposite thereto. The screen includes a transparent layer of material having louver members disposed therein to provide fractional reflective coverage across the width of the transparent material. The screen discriminates an image signal light from a source, such as a projector, from ambient light incident upon the viewing surface. The image signal light is redirected over a range of angles relative to a normal to the viewing side, while the majority of ambient light is directed generally toward the back side, for example passing through the transparent material between louver members. A light absorbing back panel adjacent to the back side absorbs the ambient light further improving contrast.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the fractional coverage louver device includes a transparent layer of material having a first surface and a second surface parallel thereto. A plurality of louver members disposed within the transparent layer of material provide fractional reflective coverage across the width of the transparent material. The louver members are aligned to receive light entering the first surface at a shallow angle relative to the first surface and direct the light out the second surface at a high angle relative to the second surface, thereby increasing the angular viewing range. Transparent areas between louver members allow a portion of incident ambient light to pass through the louver device without being reflected back to a viewer. As such, the louver device has advantageous contrast properties.

Abstract: Provided is a curved light guide screen. A plurality of vertically aligned light guides are arranged into light guide magnifying layers. Spacers are disposed between any two adjacent light guide magnifying layers, proximate to the magnifying output ends, to position the magnifying layers and define an orientation for the magnifying output ends. A curved viewing surface is defined having a concave, convex or complex curvature shape depending on the size, shape and positioning of the spacers. The spacers may have a variety of shapes, and may be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid. A case houses the light guide magnifying layers and spacers, as well as an image source and associated lenses. A related method of making a curved light guide screen is also provided.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the louver device includes a transparent layer of material having a first surface and, parallel thereto, a second surface. A plurality of shaped louver members are disposed within the transparent layer of material. The shaped louver members are aligned to receive light entering the first surface at a first angle relative to the first surface and direct the light out the second surface at a plurality of angles relative to the second surface.

Abstract: Provided is a light guide screen with louver device. An input group consists of a plurality of aligned light guides arranged into light guide layers, the output ends of each light guide interfacing with an input surface of the louver device. An output surface of the louver device interfaces with the input ends of a second plurality of light guides, arranged into light guide layers to form an output group. The louver device is positioned between the input group and the output group. The louver device includes one or more louver members to direct light from the input group, through the output group, and toward a output face. The louver members may be rectangular, elliptical, cylindrical, or other geometric shapes, and may be mirrored or coated with a reflective coating.

Abstract: Provided is a lossy clad light guide screen. A plurality of aligned light guides are provided. Each light guide has an input end, a midsection, an output end, a core and a circumferential lossy clad. The plurality of input ends are aligned and provide an input face. The plurality of output ends are aligned and provide a viewing surface. A related method of making a lossy clad light guide screen is also provided.