Abstract: A window having electrically controllable transmission and reflection includes a layer of liquid crystal material and polarizers on either side thereof. Different combinations of absorptive and reflective polarizers are disclosed. These different combinations can be used in different applications to achieve the desired results. Transparent, conductive layers are provided to apply an electrical field to the liquid crystal material so as to selectively control the rotation of the polarization of light passing therethrough.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided, which includes: a middle frame having a frame section formed in the shape of a frame with four side sections; a front panel joined with the middle frame to seal one opening of the middle frame; a rear panel joined with the middle frame to seal another opening of the middle frame; a liquid crystal panel placed within an outer casing configured by the middle frame, the front panel and the rear panel; a back light panel placed within the outer casing, irradiating light towards the liquid crystal panel; and a holding plate placed within the outer casing on a side opposite the liquid crystal panel with the back light panel in-between, pressing the back light panel.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an element having variable optical properties, comprising: (a) a system having electrically controlled variable light scattering, of the optical-valve or liquid-crystal system type, a suspended-particle system or a holographic or thermotropic system (a?) which is associated with (b) at least one absorbent element, absorbing at least in the visible range. It applies especially to the manufacture of backprojection screens.

Abstract: A window darkening system that includes glass panels. Glass panels can be provided in the form of at least one side window, a windshield, and rear window. Glass panels include electrically activated liquid crystals embedded therein. A control module includes access to a power source, and a user interface provided to manipulate liquid crystals embedded within the glass panels. The liquid crystals are sandwiched between a pair of electrodes which are electrically connected to the power source via the control panel via at least one switch means. The crystals become activated and darken the windowpane when they are electrically connected to a power source via activation their activation at user interface.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a light-adjusting film including a light-adjusting film consisted of an anti-dirty layer, a curing layer, two polymer complex layers, a light-adjusting liquid crystal layer, and an attaching layer, wherein the anti-dirty layer provides an dirty-proof function, the curing layer is assembled under the anti-dirty layer, the first polymer complex layer is assembled under the curing layer, the light-adjusting liquid crystal layer is assembled under the first polymer complex layer and connected with a power source, the second polymer complex layer is assembled under the light-adjusting liquid crystal layer, and the attaching layer is assembled under the second polymer complex layer for attaching to a surface of an object. According to the structure above, the present invention is advantageous of easy installation, maintaining and renovation, UV-resisting, heat insulation, great light perviousness, uneasily being damaged and power saving.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a thin-plate display device and a rear cover. The display device has a thickness, a display surface at one side in a thickness direction for displaying an image, and a back surface at the other side in the thickness direction. The rear cover covers the back surface of the display device, has a back wall mounted to the back surface, and a side wall raised forwardly from a periphery of the back wall and extending along the outside of the periphery of the display device. A transparent film is adhered to the entire display surface and extends beyond the periphery of the display surface from where the film is adhered to the display surface. An outer edge of the film, being an edge in the extension direction, is mounted to the side wall. Accordingly, the film forms a front surface of the display apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a light-control element including a transparent surface layer oriented in an uniaxial direction, a center layer comprising a skeletal member and a plurality of cavities arranged at intervals and oriented parallel to the uniaxial direction of the surface layer, and a base layer. In some embodiments, the light-control element includes a liquid crystal material at least partially filling the cavities. In certain preferred embodiments, each of the surface layer and the base layer include one or more electrodes adapted for application of an electrical potential to the liquid crystal material. The disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing and using light control window glazings including light-control elements containing liquid crystal materials for efficient thermal management of interior spaces of vehicles and buildings.

Abstract: There is provided a light adjuster which is capable of improving handleability thereof and preventing the occurrence of operation failure. A light adjuster 103 is comprised of a pair of PET films 109a and 109b that sandwich a liquid crystal layer 108 therebetween, transparent electrically conductive films 110a and 110b that are provided on respective facing surfaces of the pair of PET films 109a and 109b, and an electrode structure provided at one end of the light adjuster 103. The electrode structure is comprised of a connecting base formed of a silver paste 111 that is applied to an exposed part of the transparent electrically conductive film 110b, a copper tape 112 that is stuck on the upper surface of the silver paste 111, and a tabular connector 113 made of a metal that is pressed onto the copper tape 112 at one end thereof. A lead line 115 is secured to the other end of the connector 113 by solder 114 to supply power from an external power source.

Abstract: A controllably displayable motor vehicle window is (20) disclosed provided with at least one optically transmittable glass or plastic panel (22) and an electrically actuated variable light transmission medium (24, 25) disposed in close proximity to the at least one glass or plastic panel. The image displayed on the vehicle window (20) is controllable in response to the electric field generated by a control device (95) in communication with the variable light transmission medium and with a user input device (101-105, 107) A method of advertising or messaging using the controllably displayable motor vehicle window is also disclosed.

Abstract: A display device for capturing and displaying images along a single optical axis. The device includes a display panel having a front side and a back side, said display panel capable of being placed in a first display state which allows displaying of an image on said front side for viewing of an image and a second transmissive state wherein said display panel becomes substantially transmissive so as to allow capture of an image of an object positioned in front of said front side of said display panel. An image capture device is provided for capturing said objective image through said display panel when said display device is in the second transmissive state.

Abstract: Device for transmitting light at variable intensity, the device including a front variable polarizer, polarizing incoming light at a first selected polarization level, in a first direction and a rear variable polarizer, optically coupled with the front variable polarizer, polarizing light exiting the front variable polarizer at a second selected polarization level, in a second direction, wherein the first selected polarization level and the second selected polarization level are substantially zero, when no substantial electric power is applied respectively, to the front variable polarizer and the rear variable polarizer.

Abstract: An adjustably opaque window includes external and internal panes, an active optical material layer, passive optical material layers, and shock absorbing layers. The external pane and the internal pane provide a cavity between them. The optical material layers and the shock absorbing layers are positioned in the cavity. The optical material layers are sandwiched and supported by the shock absorbing layers. The interval between the external and internal panes can vary from about one to about two millimeters, and at least one of the internal and external panes is adapted to be attached to a substantially smooth surface. The shock absorbing layers may include first and second shock absorbing layers, and the first and second shock absorbing layers may be disposed at either side of the light transmission control layer or both are disposed at a same side of the light transmission control layer.

Abstract: An electronically shaded glass window shading system is described that provides a progressively darkening window, based on either user input or detection of ambient light. The electronically shaded glass window shading system may be used for commercial buildings, residential buildings, public areas, and vehicles. The electronically shaded glass window shading system may enhance energy efficiency by blocking bright light thereby reducing heat. The electronically shaded glass window shading system includes a user interface that permits a user to create opaque or alternatively transparent walls or windows as the need arises.

Abstract: This invention discloses an adaptive sun visor, which has a microcontroller (2), a keypad (4), a photo sensor array assembly (1), and a liquid crystal panel (3), which comprises a number of pixels. The microcontroller (2) has interfaces to keypad (4), photo sensor array assembly (1), and liquid crystal panel (3). Microcontroller (2) reads the outputs of photo sensor array assembly (1) through its A/D channels, and microcontroller (2) activates pixels on the liquid crystal panel based on the outputs of photo sensor array assembly (2). The invented adaptive sun visor can prevent the vehicle driver from the disturbance of the offending light and thus the driver can safely operate the vehicle.

Abstract: A photometric device of liquid crystal display and a liquid crystal display in which photometry can be performed without relying upon manpower and the liquid crystal plane is shielded only at the time of photometry. The photometric device comprises a liquid crystal display part, a bezel surrounding the four sides of the liquid crystal display, a shaft part provided at the corner part of the bezel and fixed rotatably thereto, a movable part having the end part thereof connected to the shaft part, and a sensor part provided in the liquid crystal display part at the other end part of the movable part.

Abstract: A wireless remote control is provided for an auto-darkening lens (ADL) system used in a welding helmet, respirator system or other device to control or to adjust settings of an ADL of a controllable light shutter. A display system facilitates providing information indicating the operative settings and/or conditions of the controllable light shutter. A wired remote control for controlling or adjusting an ADL also uses a display system with indicators to indicate the operative settings and/or conditions of the ADL. The display may include a number of indicators, an alpha-numeric display, a heads-up display or other display. The display may include discrete indicators in the peripheral field of view of one eye of a user a controllable. The invention also includes methods of using a remote control for an ADL and of making an ADL to provide for future use of a wireless remote control.

Abstract: A modular keypad assembly for use with a projection device is provided. This modular keypad assembly may include a user input through which a user may operate the projection device. Such a modular keypad assembly may include a elastomer keypad, a keypad support plate; and a keypad circuit board.

Abstract: A light adjuster which is free from occurrence of cloudiness, and can maintain sufficient workability to improve the yield. In the light adjuster, transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b are provided on respective surfaces of a pair of PET films 103a and 103b, a liquid crystal layer 101 is interposed between the transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b, and the force required for stripping the liquid crystal layer 101 from the transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b is in a range of 15 to 50 g/cm.

Abstract: A privacy screen for a display (e.g., a LCD) includes having a polarizing film and a birefringent film is described. The privacy screen transmits substantial amounts of light emanating from the display in an orthogonal (or near-orthogonal) direction while not transmitting substantial amounts of horizontal, non-orthogonal light emanating from the display. In this manner, a privacy effect results in that the display is viewable by someone only when that someone is essentially directly in front of the display.

Abstract: A display window of a mobile phone, which prevents a deposited layer from being exposed and being oxidized/corroded, thereby improving not only the quality of the display window but also the reliability on the mobile phone provided with the display window. The display window has a deposited layer and a printed layer, which are formed in sequence on a transparent sheet, and a protective layer coated on outer edges of the deposited layer and printed layers, thereby preventing the deposited layer from being exposed.

Abstract: A display window for placement in registration with a display is disclosed. The display is viewable through the window. A first surface of the window is for exposure to a user, and a second surface of the window is for placement adjacent the display. The second surface is provided with a grating to distribute light from an associated source of illumination in the direction of the display. Also disclosed is a display assembly and a portable telephone.

Abstract: A privacy screen for a display (e.g., a LCD) includes having a polarizing film and a birefringent film is described. The privacy screen transmits substantial amounts of light emanating from the display in an orthogonal (or near-orthogonal) direction while not transmitting substantial amounts of horizontal, non-orthogonal light emanating from the display. In this manner, a privacy effect results in that the display is viewable by someone only when that someone is essentially directly in front of the display.

Abstract: An image capture and display device includes an electronic motion image camera for capturing the image of a subject located in front of the image display device and a digital projector for projecting the captured image. An optical element provides a common optical axis electronic camera and the digital electronic camera, and a light valve projection screen electronically switchable between a transparent state and a frosted state, is located with respect to the common optical axis for allowing the electronic camera to capture the image of the subject through the projection screen when in the transparent state and for displaying the captured image on the projection screen when in the frosted state.

Abstract: Optical devices utilizing flakes (also called platelets) suspended in a host fluid have optical characteristics, such as reflective properties, which are angular dependent in response to an AC field. The reflectivity may be Bragg-like, and the characteristics are obtained through the use of flakes of liquid crystal material, such as polymer liquid crystal (PLC) materials including polymer cholesteric liquid crystal (PCLC) and polymer nematic liquid crystal (PNLC) material or birefringent polymers (BP). The host fluid may be propylene carbonate, poly(ethylene glycol) or other fluids or fluid mixtures having fluid conductivity to support conductivity in the flake/host system. AC field dependent rotation of 90° can be obtained at rates and field intensities dependent upon the frequency and magnitude of the AC field. The devices are useful in providing displays, polarizers, filters, spatial light modulators and wherever switchable polarizing, reflecting, and transmission properties are desired.

Abstract: A modular keypad assembly for use with a projection device is provided. This modular keypad assembly may include a user input through which a user may operate the projection device. Such a modular keypad assembly may include a elastomer keypad, a keypad support plate; and a keypad circuit board.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-scattering and total-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: A film suitable for use as a light-modulating unit of a suspended particle device light valve, comprising a plurality of particles dispersed in a liquid suspending medium, distributed within an optionally crosslinked matrix polymer. The suspending medium is substantially immiscible with the matrix polymer, has a boiling point greater than about 100° C., has an electrical resistivity of at least about 0.8×106 ohms per square, and has an in endex of refraction at 25° C. which differs from that of the matrix polymer by no more than about 0.002.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-reflection and semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: Light is polarized in perpendicular directions between a source of light and a users viewing of information on a display device. A first sheet of polarized material is placed at the source of the light, such as a window in a cockpit. A second sheet of polarized material is attached or integral to a display device. The pass axis of the second sheet is oriented substantially perpendicular to pass axis of the first sheet.

Abstract: A tablet includes a top substrate and a bottom substrate. Minute irregularities are provided on a bottom surface of the bottom substrate. Projections or depressions constituting the minute irregularities are disposed in a staggered arrangement parallel to the direction along which light travels through the light-guide plate or along the vertical direction of a display region in the bottom substrate when viewed by a viewer. Thus, the pitch of the projections or depressions next to each other in the lateral direction is minimized when viewed by the viewer. Hence, even if −1-st order reflected light occurs in the oblique direction with respect to the vertical direction of the display, the −1-st order reflection of blue light with a shorter wavelength in the visible light band can be suppressed.

Abstract: Composite or layered flakes having a plurality of layers of different materials, which may be dielectric materials, conductive materials, or liquid crystalline materials suspended in a fluid host and subjected to an electric field, provide optical effects dependent upon the angle or orientation of the flakes in the applied electric field. The optical effects depend upon the composition and thickness of the layers, producing reflectance, interference, additive and/or subtractive color effects. The composition of layered flakes may also be selected to enhance and/or alter the dielectric properties of flakes, whereby flake motion in an electric field is also enhanced and/or altered. The devices are useful as active electro-optical displays, polarizers, filters, light modulators, and wherever controllable polarizing, reflecting and transmissive optical properties are desired.

Abstract: Light control system and method in which a privacy glass window having first and second transparent substrates with a film of liquid crystal between the substrates is mounted in the wall or roof of a building. The level of ambient light outside the building is monitored and/or sunlight impinging directly on the building is detected, and the film is energized to make the window transparent during daylight hours when sunlight is not impinging directly upon it. Some embodiments include override switches which permit the window to be made transparent at night and/or during cooler months when sunlight is falling directly on it, and some include an override switch which permits the window to be darkened during daylight hours in warmer months.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a mobile telecommunication terminal using the same can display messages such as information on a calling party, a received message, and temporal information even when a folding cover is not open by using a double-faced liquid crystal display device. The double-faced liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a common electrode, a second substrate having n scan electrodes and m signal electrodes, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates, a polarizer, and a reflector, wherein the liquid crystal display device is divided into a first region and a second region, and the polarizer and the reflector are symmetrically disposed so that the first region is displayed in a first direction and the second region is displayed in a second direction.

Abstract: A displaying apparatus (10) is configured such that illumination light emitted from light sources (15, 15 . . . ) disposed on a back side of a liquid crystal displaying plate (11) illuminates an optically transparent displaying section (16a) of a dial plate (16) provided on a front side of the liquid crystal displaying plate (11) by passing through the liquid crystal displaying plate (11). Further, polarizing plates (13, 14) overlapping the optically transparent displaying section (16a) are cut out from the liquid crystal displaying plate, whereby the illumination light may illuminate the optically transparent displaying section (16a), passing through a liquid crystal displaying plate (111).

Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter device is provided with a liquid crystal cell including a first substrate (1), a second substrate (21), and liquid crystal sandwiched therebetween, pixel electrodes (11, 12) which are signal electrodes and lead-out electrodes (15) provided on the first substrate (1), counter electrodes which are common electrodes facing the pixel electrodes, provided on the second substrate (21), and a plurality of pixel rows (200, 300, 400) which are composed of pixels (2, 3, 4, etc.) formed by overlapped portions of the pixel electrodes and the counter electrodes, and the liquid crystal shutter device controls light applied to a photosensitive member continuously and relatively moving in a direction orthogonal to the pixel rows, in which the counter electrodes are provided separately for the respective pixel rows. Further, an RGB coupling electrode (46) for electrically connecting the counter electrodes of the respective pixel rows is preferably provided.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-scattering and total-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for varying the transmittance of light through selected portions of a media on which images are displayed, the system including an image display panel, an image display source for projecting images on the media, LC-based, variable transmittance optical (VTO) media, a light sensor for measuring ambient light, and a signal generator connected to the VTO media for applying voltage to portions of the media at levels determined and controlled by the sensor, whereby the transmittance of light through the portions of the media is varied in accordance with the prevailing ambient light. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-reflection and semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) in which: R1 is H, F, CF3, OCF3, OCF2H, OCFH2, an alkyl radical or an alkenyl radical; R2 is H, an alkyl radical or alkyloxy radical or an alkenyl or alkenyloxy radical; G2—G1 is —CH═CH—, —CH2CH2—, —CF═CH—, —CH═CF—, —CF═CF—, —CH2—, —CF2—; M1, M2 are each, independently of one another, —C(═O)O—, —OC(═O)—, —CH2O—, —OCH2—, —OCF2—, —CF2O—, —C≡C—, —CH2CH2—, —CF2CF2— or a single bond; A1, A2 are each, independently of one another, phenylene-1,4-diyl, unsubstituted, monosubstituted or disubstituted by F, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl; m, n are each, independently of one another, zero or 1; m+n=0 or 1; The invention furthermore provides a liquid-crystal mixture comprising one or more compounds of the formula (I

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-scattering and total-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel hybrid polymer optical alignment layers for inducing alignment of a liquid crystal medium. Hybrid polymers of this invention comprise at least one component of a macromonomer or polymer within the class of polyimide, polyamic acids and esters thereof, and at least one additional component from the group consisting of an addition monomer, monomers and addition polymer that are covalently bonded with the first component to form a copolymer. The invention further describes liquid crystal displays comprising the novel branched hybrid polymer optical alignment layers.

Abstract: An Electronic Adjustable Tinting Window comprised of a large-scale liquid crystal segment that forms a shape of a window. The large-scale liquid crystal segment consisted of two polarized filters with liquid crystal molecules arranged between the two polarized filters. A control system comprised of a control switch, solar radiation sensor, temperature sensor, a control unit, and a new Electronic Adjustable Tinting Window.

Abstract: Light is polarized in perpendicular directions between a source of light and a users viewing of information on a display device. A first sheet of polarized material is placed at the source of the light, such as a window in a cockpit. A second sheet of polarized material is attached or integral to a display device. The pass axis of the second sheet is oriented substantially perpendicular to pass axis of the first sheet.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an electrically controllable system having variable light scattering and/or transmission, comprising a functional film (1, 21) provided with electrically conducting layers (2, 3, 22, 23), the said film having active elements in the form of polarizing particles, or of liquid crystals associated with dichroic dyes, and in suspension in a medium. The said system is provided with one or more means preventing/compensating for degradation by photoreduction of at least some of the active elements, especially degradation of the dichroic dyes and/or that of the polarizing particles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a glare shielding device. The glare shielding device includes a microprocessor for controlling an activation time and a driving time of a liquid crystal panel. The microprocessor generates an activation control signal of a liquid crystal activating portion, a driving control signal of a liquid crystal driving portion, and a power off control signal in response to a simultaneous detection of a welding light and a high frequency generated during a welding process. The liquid crystal activating portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and activates the liquid crystal panel using a minus voltage between a high voltage and an activation voltage. The liquid crystal driving portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and drives the liquid crystal panel in response to the driving control signal.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having bi-directional control of electromagnetic radiation during total-reflection, semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: A vehicle window tinting system includes liquid crystal material contained within a liquid crystal cell embedded within the side windows of a vehicle. A liquid crystal cell is likewise embedded within the vehicle rear window and is scripted to form a readable message. The liquid crystal cells are each electrically connected to the vehicle battery via a designated switch. When a switch corresponding to a window is activated, an electrical current is delivered to the liquid crystal cells thereby decreasing the transmittance of the window. If the switch corresponding to the rear window is activated, the readable message appears thereon.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a mobile telecommunication terminal using the same can display messages such as information on a calling party, a received message, and temporal information even when a folding cover is not open by using a double-faced liquid crystal display device. The double-faced liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a common electrode, a second substrate having n scan electrodes and m signal electrodes, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates, a polarizer, and a reflector, wherein the liquid crystal display device is divided into a first region and a second region, and the polarizer and the reflector are symmetrically disposed so that the first region is displayed in a first direction and the second region is displayed in a second direction.

Abstract: An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion.

Abstract: An electro-optical glazing structure having reflection and transparent modes of operation for selectively reflecting and transmitting electromagnetic radiation without absorption, respectively. The electro-optical glazing structure comprising: an electro-optical panel having first and second optical states of operation; a composite broad-band infrared (IR) reflective polarizing filter structure of electrically-passive construction, mounted to the electro-optical panel; and an optical state switching mechanism for switching the electro-optical panel to the first optical state of operation in order to induce the electro-optical glazing structure into the reflection mode of operation, and for switching the electro-optical panel to the second optical state of operation in order to induce the electro-optical glazing structure into the transparent mode of operation.