Abstract: Dual modulator displays are disclosed incorporating a phosphorescent plate interposed in the optical path between a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. Spatially modulated light output from the light source modulation layer impinges on the phosphorescent plate and excites corresponding regions of the phosphorescent plate which in turn emit light having different spectral characteristics than the light output from the light source modulation layer. Light emitted from the phosphorescent plate is received and further modulated by the display modulation layer to provide the ultimate display output.

Abstract: The brightness of a TIR-based display is enhanced with a registered reflective element by recycling and reflecting light that passes through the dark pupil region of each hemi-spherical protrusion in the hemi-spherical surface back to the viewer. A method to fabricate a brightness enhanced TIR display comprising an apertured membrane with a thin conductive reflective metal layer facing and registered with the pupils of the hemi-spherical surface.

Abstract: A backlight for a display comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources and inclined surfaces inclining in a radially outward direction from each light source for shaping the distribution of emitted light. The light sources may each comprise a group of differently-colored light emitters. The backlight may include light integrators configured to mix light of the differently-colored light emitters. Inclined surfaces for shaping the distribution of emitted light may be arranged around exits of the light integrators.

Abstract: A reflective image display comprising of a rigid and thermally stable layer is proposed where light is reflected in a semi-specular or semi-retro-reflective manner or absorbed by electrophoretically mobile particles. The layer is comprised of a plurality of cavities such as in the shape of hemispheres in hourglass-like shapes where the lateral displacement of the optical path of light entering and exiting the display is less than the width of a pixel leading to a high resolution reflective image display.

Abstract: A reflective image display comprising of a reflection enhancing layer comprising of a plurality of approximately spherical indentations is placed adjacent a sheet comprising of a plurality of hemispherical protrusions. The radii of curvature of the spherical indentations substantially coincides with the center of curvature of the adjacently located hemispheres to enhance the white paper-like appearance of the display while efficiently enabling optional color filters to yield saturated color.

Abstract: A locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A sunlight redirector has a first mirror array formed of a first plurality of substantially parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudmal outward mirror segments; and a second mirror array formed of a second plurality of substantially parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal inward mirror segments. Each mirror segment has a normal vector. The outward mirror segments are adjustably positionable, such that their normal vectors remain parallel. The first mirror array is rotatable about a normal vector of the sunlight redirector. The inward mirror segments may remain fixed in position at all times; or they may be moved, twice per day, between first and second fixed positions.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A brightness enhancing structure for a reflective display incorporates a transparent sheet having an inward hemispherical surface, a backplane electrode, an apertured membrane between the hemispherical surface and the backplane electrode, and a light reflecting electrode on an outward side of the membrane. A voltage source connected between the electrodes is switchable to apply a first voltage to move the particles inwardly through the apertured membrane toward the backplane electrode, and a second voltage to move the particles outwardly through the apertured membrane toward the light reflecting electrode. Movement of the particles toward the light reflecting electrode frustrates total internal reflection of light rays at the hemispherical surface.

Abstract: Displays comprise light control layers (16) in an optical path between a light source (12), such as an array of light emitting diodes and a spatial light modulator (14) such as a liquid crystal display panel. The light control layer comprises an enhanced specular reflector (ESR, 16a) film in optical contact to at least one layer of a transparent or translucent material (16B, 16C). The light control layer transmits light from the light source more readily than the ESR film standing on its own. In some embodiments the display may provide enhanced contrast and peak luminance.

Abstract: The application generally relates to driving reflective image displays utilizing frustration of total internal reflection (TIR) in high brightness, wide viewing angle displays. In one embodiment, a passive matrix driven reflective image display includes a third electrode. The third electrode, which may be perforated, may be positioned within the gap between the front and rear electrodes. The third electrode allows passage of light absorbing electrophoretically mobile particles therethrough. By controlling the voltage biases of the three electrodes, a threshold may be created to impart bistability in the display. Modulating the voltage of the three electrodes also creates pathways for particle movement between the electrodes.

Abstract: Modular displays are made up of arrays of modules that include light sources and light modulators. The modules may include control circuits that perform some image processing functions. The modules may illuminate a screen directly or may include optical systems that project light onto a screen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the—display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.

Abstract: Reflective image display architecture embodiments are disclosed comprising a perforated continuous reflective sheet. The perforated continuous sheet comprises a coating that provides a threshold to particle movement. The coating may be designed to provide a passive or electro-active physical barrier. The coating improves bistability of the display.

Abstract: A light concentrating apparatus is presented. Disclosed apparatuses include a collection of shaped reflectors capable of redirecting incident light, sunlight for example. The reflectors are configured to modify the spatial distribution of the redirected light in a manner where the distribution of light associated with a first dimension is modified differently than the distribution of light associated with a second, different dimension, via a relay of reflections. Contemplated apparatuses generate a substantially collimated output beam subsequent to the relay of reflections.

Abstract: The brightness of a TIR-based display is enhanced with a registered reflective element by recycling and reflecting light that passes through the dark pupil region of each hemi-spherical protrusion in the hemi-spherical surface back to the viewer. A method to fabricate a brightness enhanced TIR display comprising an apertured membrane with a thin conductive reflective metal layer facing and registered with the pupils of the hemi-spherical surface.

Abstract: A method for estimating an effective luminance pattern representing a distribution of projected light in a display apparatus involves determining driving values for one or more light sources arranged to project light. The light sources are solid-state light sources such as light-emitting diodes in some embodiments. The method determines an effective luminance pattern for the projected light by determining contributions to the effective luminance pattern for different components of a point spread function and then combining the contributions of the components the effective luminance pattern to yield an estimated effective luminance pattern.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: Dual modulator displays are disclosed incorporating a phosphorescent plate interposed in the optical path between a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. Spatially modulated light output from the light source modulation layer impinges on the phosphorescent plate and excites corresponding regions of the phosphorescent plate which in turn emit light having different spectral characteristics than the light output from the light source modulation layer. Light emitted from the phosphorescent plate is received and further modulated by the display modulation layer to provide the ultimate display output.

Abstract: Dual modulator displays are disclosed incorporating a phosphorescent plate interposed in the optical path between a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. Spatially modulated light output from the light source modulation layer impinges on the phosphorescent plate and excites corresponding regions of the phosphorescent plate which in turn emit light having different spectral characteristics than the light output from the light source modulation layer. Light emitted from the phosphorescent plate is received and further modulated by the display modulation layer to provide the ultimate display output.