Abstract: By using high and low refractive index materials, a planarized reflective-refractive Fresnel lens and a planarized refractive lenticular lens can be created. These flat screen components eliminate the need for an air-gap, thus reducing the screen thickness. Additionally, this allows for the screen to be manufactured on a roll-to-roll process that can significantly reduce the screen cost. By adding the capability of planarizing the elements, they can be combined in a final structure on a roll-to-roll process. Since the Fresnel lens can be combined with the lenticular lens before exposure of the black stripe region, the exposure of the black stripe region can account for any deviation from true collimation or non-normal angle of incidence of the light path in the projection system design.

Abstract: Electrophoretic displays (100, 400) comprise suspensions in one or more bodies of liquid (116, 418, 426) of reflective particles (118, 420), and photoluminescent particles (120, 422). The one or more bodies of liquid are located between a front wall (104, 402) and a back wall (102, 404). Electrodes (128, 129, 410, 412) and optionally a transparent ground plane layer (124) are provided for applying electric fields to the suspensions according to image information. The reflective particles and the photoluminescent particles are characterized by the electrophoretic mobilities of the same sign, and therefore move in the same direction in response to applied fields. A source of radiation (140, 428) capable of exciting photoluminescence of the photoluminescent particles is optically coupled to the liquid suspensions. An optical filter layer is optionally located at the front of the displays. The display is capable of operating under a wide range of ambient light conditions.

Abstract: A multi-region light scattering element with the optical characteristics of low speckle, high resolution high contrast, and high gain when used as an imaging element without any resulting loss of transmission or brightness with viewing angle. The multi-region light scattering element contains at least one region asymmetrically shaped light scattering features that are separated from a second light scattering region by a non-scattering region. In one embodiment, one or more of the regions contains particles that are asymmetrically shaped that improve the optical performance. In one embodiment, asymmetric particles are located in two regions separated by a non-scattering region with the particles within each region substantially aligned along an axis and the two axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. Methods for production of the screen element are also described.

Abstract: An imaging material has been developed which provides improved image contrast, increased gain and increased viewing angle. A method for production of the screen element is also described. The imaging material of the invention includes a refractive optical element which redirects incident light along a desired axis, a light transmissive focusing region which diffuses the light along the desired axis, and a controlled light-transmissive region which controls backscatter and increases contrast. The refractive optical element desirably includes an active surface such as a lenticular array embossed thereon which serves to redirect incident light as desired. The focusing region desirably is made of a matrix material having a refractive index n1, having dispersed throughout the matrix asymmetric micro-bodies that have a refractive index n2 different from n1. The controlled light-transmissive region may desirably comprise an alternating black stripe and transparent region.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved light guide with inherently more flexibility for display system designers and higher optical efficiency. By using a light guide containing substantially aligned non-spherical particles, more efficient control of the light scattering can be achieved. One or more regions containing ellipsoidal particles may be used and the particle sizes may vary between 2 and 100 microns in the smaller dimension. The light scattering regions may be substantially orthogonal in their axis of alignment. Alternatively, one or more asymmetrically scattering films can be used in combination with a backlight light guide and a reflector to produce an efficient backlight system. The light guides may be manufactured by embossing, stamping, or compression molding a light guide in a suitable light guide material containing asymmetric particles substantially aligned in one direction.

Abstract: An illumination panel for illuminating an object, comprising a substrate, a light diffractive grating and a light source. The substrate is made from an optically transparent material having first and second area surfaces disposed substantially parallel to each other and a light input surface for conducting a light beam into the substrate. The light diffractive grating is mounted to the first areal surface and has a slanted fringe structure embodied therein for diffracting the light beam falling incident thereto, along a first diffractive order of the slanted fringe structure. The light source produces a light beam for transmission through the input surface and direct passage through the substrate to the slanted fringe structure so as to produce an output light beam of areal extent that emerges from either the first or second areal surface along the first diffractive order, for use in illuminating an object.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) having a switchable display/mirror (11) and a display driver (12). In one mode of operation the switchable display/mirror provides a visual display to a viewer (using, for example, an emissive array). In another mode of operation the switchable display/mirror provides a mirror-like reflection. In a preferred embodiment, the switchable display/mirror includes a transparent organic light emitting diode array (31) that operates in conjunction with a reflective electrode (32) and a switchable circular polarizer (23). In one embodiment the switchable circular polarizer (23) can be comprised of a switchable linear polarizer (34) and a quarter waveplate (36).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) having a switchable display/mirror (11) and a display driver (12). In one mode of operation the switchable display/mirror provides a visual display to a viewer (using, for example, an emissive array). In another mode of operation the switchable display/mirror provides a mirror-like reflection. In a preferred embodiment, the switchable display/mirror includes a transparent organic light emitting diode array (31) that operates in conjunction with a reflective electrode (32) and a switchable circular polarizer (23). In one embodiment the switchable circular polarizer (23) can be comprised of a switchable linear polarizer (34) and a quarter waveplate (36).

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: Electrophoretic displays (100, 400) comprise suspensions in one or more bodies of liquid (116, 418, 426) of reflective particles (118, 420), and photoluminescent particles (120, 422). The one or more bodies of liquid are located between a front wall (104, 402) and a back wall (102, 404). Electrodes (128, 129, 410, 412) and optionally a transparent ground plane layer (124) are provided for applying electric fields to the suspensions according to image information. The reflective particles and the photoluminescent particles are characterized by the electrophoretic mobilities of the same sign, and therefore move in the same direction in response to applied fields. A source of radiation (140, 428) capable of exciting photoluminescence of the photoluminescent particles is optically coupled to the liquid suspensions. An optical filter layer is optionally located at the front of the displays. The display is capable of operating under a wide range of ambient light conditions.

Abstract: A compact real-image projection apparatus is used for a portable device (140). An optical projector (110) emits light that is capable of forming an image. A collapsible screen (120) has a collapsed surface area no larger than substantially the surface area of a side of the portable device and an expanded surface area capable of receiving the light emitted from the optical projector (110). A retractable connecting member (150) is coupled between the screen (120) and the optical projector (110) and has at least a stowed position and an extended position. The extended position is configured to hold the screen (120) and the optical projector (110) relative to one another such that the light emitted from the optical projector forms a real image on the screen.

Abstract: A compact real-image projection apparatus is used for a portable device (140). An optical projector (110) emits light that is capable of forming an image. A collapsible screen (120) has a collapsed surface area no larger than substantially the surface area of a side of the portable device and an expanded surface area capable of receiving the light emitted from the optical projector (110). A retractable connecting member (150) is coupled between the screen (120) and the optical projector (110) and has at least a stowed position and an extended position. The extended position is configured to hold the screen (120) and the optical projector (110) relative to one another such that the light emitted from the optical projector forms a real image on the screen.

Abstract: An illumination panel for illuminating an object, comprising a substrate, a light diffractive grating and a light source. The substrate is made from an optically transparent material having first and second area surfaces disposed substantially parallel to each other and a light input surface for conducting a light beam into the substrate. The light diffractive grating is mounted to the first areal surface and has a slanted fringe structure embodied therein for diffracting the light beam falling incident thereto, along a first diffractive order of the slanted fringe structure. The light source produces a light beam for transmission through the input surface and direct passage through the substrate to the slanted fringe structure so as to produce an output light beam of areal extent that emerges from either the first or second areal surface along the first diffractive order, for use in illuminating an object.

Abstract: An illumination panel for illuminating an object, comprising a substrate, a light diffractive grating and a light source. The substrate is made from an optically transparent material having first and second areal surfaces disposed substantially parallel to each other and a light input surface for conducting a light beam into the substrate. The light diffractive grating is mounted to the first areal surface and has a slanted fringe structure embodied therein for diffracting the light beam falling incident thereto, along a first diffractive order of the slanted fringe structure. The light source produces a light beam for transmission through the input surface and direct passage through the substrate to the slanted fringe structure so as to produce an output light beam of areal extent that emerges from either the first or second areal surface along the first diffractive order, for use in illuminating an object.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for recording and displaying grazing-incidence (i.e., steep reference beam angle) holograms supported on a substrate having thin edge-illuminatable geometry. The system and process use thin edge-illuminated substrates that facilitate optimal coupling of the reference light beam at steep angles approaching grazing incidence, while maximizing the contrast of the slanted fringe structures thereof. Different recording techniques are employed when the index of refraction of the substrate is greater than that of the recording medium, than when the index of refraction of the substrate is less than that of the recording medium. A recording and playback system of complementary design is provided for recording slanted-fringe volume holograms under relaxed conditions, without compromising the light diffraction efficiency of the holograms under different playback conditions.

Abstract: A method and ultra-compact system has been developed for illuminating and detecting the surface topography of an object such as the finger (4) of an individual. The system (8) is capable of producing high-contrast images which can be electronically transmitted in real-time, or stored using electronic or photographic recording devices. Light traveling within a light transmitting substrate (2) is redirected by a slanted-fringed light diffractive grating preferably embodied within a volume hologram (3). The volume hologram (3), either of the reflection or transmission type, is attached to the light transmitting substrate (2). and functions to diffract light striking thereupon and illuminate an object having topographical surface structure. After being spatially and intensity modulated in accordance with topographical details of the illuminated object, the insulated light passes back through the light transmitting substrate (2) and the volume hologram (3), onto an image detection array. for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A compact system for producing high contrast and high resolution images of a topographical surface associated with an object. The system utilizes a novel holographic optical element to produce images of topographical surfaces differentiating between ridges and valleys, and providing image details of artifacts. The system of the present invention can be realized in the form of a hand-held instrument for use in in vivo imaging of fingerprint, skin tissue and the like.

Abstract: A method and ultra-compact system has been developed for illuminating and detecting the surface topography of an object such as the finger of an individual. The system is capable of producing high-contrast images which can be electronically transmitted in real-time, or stored using electronic or photographic recording devices. Light traveling within a light transmitting substrate is redirected by a slanted-fringe light diffractive grating preferably embodied within a volume hologram. The volume hologram, either of the reflection or transmission type, is attached to the light transmitting substrate, and functions to diffract light striking thereupon and illuminate an object having topographical surface structure. After being spatially and intensity modulated in accordance with topographical details of the illuminated object, the modulated light passes back through the light transmitting substrate and the volume hologram, onto an image detection array, for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for recording and displaying grazing-incidence (i.e., steep reference beam angle) holograms supported on a substrate having thin edge-illuminatable geometry. The system and process of the present invention uses thin edge-illuminated substrates that facilitate optimal coupling of the reference light beam at steep angles approaching grazing incidence, while maximizing the contrast of the slanted fringe structures thereof. A recording medium is in direct contact with a thin substrate whose refractive index is greater than the bulk refractive index of the recording medium. At the substrate interface, the recording medium has a gradient-type index matching region, created by exposure of the recording medium to reference beam illumination, prior to the further application of an object beam to create a fringe pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for recording and displaying grazing-incidence (i.e., steep reference beam angle) holograms supported on a substrate having thin edge-illuminatable geometry. The system and process of the present invention uses thin edge-illuminated substrates that facilitate optimal coupling of the reference light beam at steep angles approaching grazing incidence. Different recording techniques are employed when the index of refraction of the substrate is greater than that of the recording medium, than when the index of refraction of the substrate is less than that of the recording medium.