Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.

Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.

Abstract: A directional backlight, a multiple view display and a multi-direction display A multiple view display (18) comprises a directional display device (19) for displaying a first image or sequence of images so as to be mainly visible from a first range of directions relative to the device and for simultaneously displaying a second image or sequence of images so as to be mainly visible from a second range of directions relative to the device different from the first range. The display (18) further comprises a directional backlight (20) for directing light through the display device (19) at least mainly in the first and second ranges. Since the directional backlight (20) directs light through the display device (19) at least mainly in the first and second ranges, the display provides users located in the first and second ranges with images of greater intensity than a conventional display.

Abstract: A multi-depth display apparatus comprises: a display panel comprising pixels arranged to display first image and second images; and a direction changing layer arranged so that light forming said first and second images enters the layer and then exits the layer, wherein: in relation to the light forming said first image, the direction of the light is changed by the layer so that the light exiting the layer is changed in direction by a first angle relative to the light entering the layer; in relation to the light forming said second image, the direction of the light is changed by the layer so that the light exiting the layer is changed in direction by a second angle relative to the light entering the layer; and said first and second angles are different to create a difference in perceived depth between said first and second images when viewed by a user.

Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.

Abstract: An optical film is provided for use in a light source or display to provide rapid cut-off of illumination with angle. The film comprises a light-transmissive substrate of a material having a reflective index greater than one and having first and second major surfaces. A surface relief is formed on at least one of the major surfaces and includes a mirror structure. The mirror structure comprises a groups of specularly reflective surfaces alternating in at least one direction with groups of transmissive surfaces. The film directs light passing therethrough into a desired angular output range, and light reflected back by the mirror structure is returned to a light source for recycling to enhance display brightness.

Abstract: An optical film is provided for use in a light source or display to provide rapid cut-off of illumination with angle. The film comprises a light-transmissive substrate of a material having a refractive index greater than one and having first and second major surfaces. A surface relief is formed on at least one of the major surfaces and includes a mirror structure. The mirror structure comprises a groups of specularly reflective surfaces alternating in at least one direction with groups of transmissive surfaces. All of the reflective surfaces are non-parallel to the plane in which the surface relief extends and at least some of the reflective surfaces are non-perpendicular to that plane. Light propagating through the film in a first angular input range passes without reflection into a desired angular output range. Light propagating through the film and reflected by the reflective structure passes into the same or an overlapping or adjacent output angular range.

Abstract: A multi-depth display apparatus comprises: a display panel comprising pixels arranged to display first image and second images; and a direction changing layer arranged so that light forming said first and second images enters the layer and then exits the layer, wherein: in relation to the light forming said first image, the direction of the light is changed by the layer so that the light exiting the layer is changed in direction by a first angle relative to the light entering the layer; in relation to the light forming said second image, the direction of the light is changed by the layer so that the light exiting the layer is changed in direction by a second angle relative to the light entering the layer; and said first and second angles are different to create a difference in perceived depth between said first and second images when viewed by a user.

Abstract: A display device is provided that comprises a liquid crystal display panel for displaying an image by spatial light modulation, and circuitry for switching liquid crystal in the panel between having a first configuration in a first mode to cause an image displayed using the panel to be discernible from a wide range of viewing angles, and having a second configuration in a second mode to cause an image displayed using the panel to be discernible substantially only from within a narrow range of viewing angles. Several types of display panel to achieve such in-panel switching between public and private viewing modes are disclosed.