Abstract: The invention makes the size of the apparent image of the display screen of the display screen larger than the real size. A flat optical magnifier such as a lens of the fresnel type is positioned in an optically enhancing location between the operator and the display screen so that the apparent image at the operator side of the magnifier is greater than the actual image that is present on the display screen. A mechanism is provided for a notebook type portable computer that is passive to a user, folds into the case when the display screen closes over the keyboard and positions a fresnel lens, coplanar with and at a fixed distance from the display screen, when the notebook computer is opened and remains at that fixed distance as the display screen moves to maximum travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for transmissive liquid crystal display devices with increased apparent aperture ratios. The aperture ratio is increased by focusing light into the transparent area using a microlens array on a per pixel basis. The method includes the steps of forming a top substrate having a sacrificial substrate adhered to a first transmissive substrate, a transmissive electrode layer adhered to the first transmissive substrate in which a plurality of color filters are disposed, the top substrate further having a rubbing layer formed proximate to the transmissive electrode layer. Forming a bottom substrate comprising a second transmissive substrate and a thin film transistor array disposed within the second transmissive substrate. Disposing a sealing material on one of the top or bottom substrates so as to form an outline of display.

Abstract: An optical device and a display are disclosed that include an illumination source which provides unpolarized light. An array of polarizing plates have an entrance surface, which receives the unpolarized light at an oblique angle, and an exit surface which provides a polarized light having a first polarization and exiting the array at a substantially perpendicular direction to the exit surface. A light valve selectively rotates the polarized light to form an image forming light, and an imaging lens receives the image forming light and forms an image. Each of the polarizing plates in the array has opposing surfaces that are tilted relative to its entrance and exit surfaces. Each polarizing plate includes a polarizing layer formed on one of the opposing tilted surfaces, and a half-wave optical retardation layer formed on the polarizing layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image on a screen is disclosed. The display has a projection lens for projecting the image; a first reflective surface for receiving the projected image and reflecting a first reflected image having a first central optical axis; and a second reflective surface for receiving the first reflected image and reflecting a second reflected image having a second central optical axis onto said screen. The first and second reflective surfaces provide a folded projection path, wherein the first and second central optical axes are in the same plane. Alternatively, the first and second central optical axes do not lie in a common plane. This further reduces the size of the displaying apparatus. A third reflective surface is also provided to further reduce the size of the display. The two or three reflective surfaces or mirrors are enclosed in an environmentally sealed compartment. The projection lens has a reduced illumination angle and an increased lens-to-screen distance.

Abstract: An optical system is described consisting of reflection birefringent light valves, polarizing beam splitter, color image combining prisms, illumination system, projection lens, filters for color and contrast control, and screen placed in a configuration offering advantages for a high resolution color display. The system includes a quarter wave plate positioned to suppress stray reflection from the projection lens. The system also includes a second quarter wave plate disposed on the screen and a polarizing film disposed on the second quarter wave plate to suppress ambient light from illuminating the screen and entering the system.

Abstract: An optical system is described consisting of reflection birefringent light valves, polarizing beam splitter, color image combining prisms, illumination system, projection lens, filters for color and contrast control, and screen placed in a configuration offering advantages for a high resolution color display. In particular, the present invention includes a color splitting prism assembly having a plurality of output faces through which a separate color component is directed to be reflected by a respective light valve. Color absorbing filters are disposed at each of the output faces to absorb the color components not corresponding to the color directed through each output face.

Abstract: An optical system is described consisting of reflection birefringent light valves, polarizing beam splitter, color image combining prisms, illumination system, projection lens, filters for color and contrast control, and screen placed in a configuration offering advantages for a high resolution color display. The illumination system includes a light tunnel having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the geometrical shape of the spacial light modulator to optimize the amount of light projected onto the screen.