Abstract: The present invention provides a device, method, and system for secure viewing and use of banking and other electronic access devices. The present invention comprises a computer/video display system that includes a computer with a conventional screen that displays a polarized screen image and a polarized partition that allows viewing of the screen by the user positioned in front of the display, while preventing viewing by secondary observers. The present invention operates in conjunction with a standard liquid crystal display (LCD), using the intact polarizer of the LCD. The present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with an automatic teller machine/customer access terminal (ATM/CAT) or personal computer (PC) to allow privacy of information displayed to the ATM/CAT or PC user, without preventing observation of the ATM/CAT or PC user.

Abstract: A chromogenic window panel assembly, and a chromogenic skylight each includes an outer panel and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic light pipe includes a light harvesting member and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic vehicle sunroof, a chromogenic aircraft window assembly, and a chromogenic window assembly each includes a panel having a particular panel contour corresponding to a surface contour and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic block includes two panels and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal.

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: A glazing is described, which includes at least one active layer and at least one reflecting coating on the active layer. A pane, partition, mirror, or door is also described that includes the glazing. A method for making is also described. The glazing exhibits superior thermal and radiative durability, and is capable of modulating the optical appearance of the active layer.

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 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: The present invention involves the application of liquid crystal technology to large planar areas through which it is useful to selectively prevent light from passing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for document imaging is disclosed. The apparatus uses a flatbed scanner with a selectively opaque/transparent liquid crystal platen. The platen is divided into controllable segments defined by an electrode pattern formed within the platen itself. These segments can each be selectively made transmissive or opaque by applying appropriate voltages to the segment electrodes. An advantage of the invention is that it can operate without a platen cover, since the area of the platen not covered by the original can be made opaque. The opaque part of the platen directs imaging light back into the system, shielding a user's eyes and helping to create a white background if the platen is imaged.

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: A system and method to synchronize one or more shutters on user-worn headgear with a sequence of images shown on a display by initially synchronizing the shutter(s) with the sequence of images using an initial synchronization signal generated externally to the headgear and by maintaining synchronization of the shutter(s) with the sequence of images using an ongoing synchronization signal generated independently by the headgear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit with variable optical properties, which combines at least one system with variable light transmission/absorption, especially of the electrochromic or viologen type, with at least one system with variable light diffusion, especially of the optical valve type or with liquid crystals. The systems are electrically control-driven in order to modulate in a decorrelated manner the light transmission level and the light diffusion level of the unit.

Abstract: An "intelligent" window combined with an additional structure for further controlling light incident on the "intelligent" window is disclosed.

Abstract: A chromogenic window panel assembly, and a chromogenic skylight each includes an outer panel and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic light pipe includes a light harvesting member and a chromogenic member having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic vehicle sunroof, a chromogenic aircraft window assembly, and a chromogenic window assembly each includes a panel having a particular panel contour corresponding to a surface contour and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal. A chromogenic block includes two panels and a chromogenic panel having an optical property which varies according to an applied signal.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator has a modulating region which is capable of operating in two modes in the first clear mode, the region is continuously and substantially uniformly transmissive. In a second or barrier mode, the region can be switched to form parallax barrier comprising slits which are separated by continuous opaque regions. Such A modulator may be used in association with an image liquid crystal display to provide an autostereoscopic 3D display having a 3D mode which may track movement of an observer and a 2D mode in which full resolution of the LCD is used.

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: An apparatus for controlling the opacity of a liquid-crystal window, having a light emitter positioned adjacent to one side of the liquid-crystal window, a light detector positioned adjacent to the opposite side of the liquid-crystal window, and a differential amplifier/driver that compares the output of the light detector with an input control signal and generates a differential drive signal to vary the opacity of said liquid-crystal window.

Abstract: A heating apparatus such as a microwave oven includes a magnetron and a heating chamber for accommodating food to be heated by microwaves generated by the magnetron. The heating chamber has a front opening opened and closed by a door. An operation panel is mounted to be adjacent to the door. The operation panel includes a panel section and an operation section mounted on the panel section and has a function of displaying a plurality of pieces of cooking information. The operation section includes a liquid crystal element subsection including a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal permitting light to pass through it when voltage is applied to it, an indicia subsection laid on the liquid crystal element subsection and having a plurality of indicias corresponding to the pieces of cooking information, respectively, and a switch subsection including a plurality of switches corresponding to the indicias of the indicia subsection, respectively.

Abstract: A display includes a display screen for displaying information. A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel adjoins the display screen. The LCD panel is controlled to selectively define a viewing angle within which a selectable portion of the display screen is viewable through the LCD panel. The LCD panel includes a plurality of energizable segments which, when energized, are transparent to allow the selectable portion of the display screen to be viewed. Each of the plurality of energizable segments is selectively energizable to selectively enable corresponding portions of the display screen to be viewed.

Abstract: A system for controlling the transmittance of electromagnetic energy through an aircraft cockpit canopy, and more particularly a canopy panel structure incorporating selectively energizable liquid crystals therein for controlling the transmittance of the electromagnetic energy and/or for integrating an information display in the canopy panel structure. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the transmittance of electromagnetic energy through an aircraft cockpit canopy utilizing a liquid crystal arrangement which is incorporated into the canopy panel structure.

Abstract: A system for controlling the transmittance of electromagnetic energy through an aircraft cockpit canopy, and more particularly a canopy panel structure incorporating selectively energizable liquid crystals therein for controlling the transmittance of the electromagnetic energy and/or for integrating an information display in the canopy panel structure. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the transmittance of electromagnetic energy through an aircraft cockpit canopy utilizing a liquid crystal arrangement which is incorporated into the canopy panel structure.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a liquid crystal welding lens or shutter provides a consistent and stable regulated power signal for driving or powering the liquid crystal shutter for maintaining stable performance over the life of the power supply and a battery level indicator feature to provide advance warning of degraded device performance.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a display unit having display elements which are arranged in a first lattice, and an input panel, put on the display unit, having a structure in which transparent resistive films maintained at a predetermined distance by insulating dot spacers are provided on a transparent substrate, the insulating dot spacers being arranged in a second lattice, wherein a relative angle .THETA. between a direction in which the display elements are arranged in the first lattice and a direction in which the insulating dot spacers are arranged in the second lattice falls in a range of 15.degree..ltoreq..THETA..ltoreq.30.degree..

Abstract: A kitchen ensemble includes one or more appliances and one or/more cabinets. Some or all of the appliances and cabinets have windows made of a material having a controllable opacity. The windows are opaque in the normal state, but can be made transparent by operation of a suitable control. Therefore, one can view the contents of the cabinets and/or appliances without opening any doors. The invention therefore enhances the convenience of using the kitchen, and saves energy by minimizing the number of times a refrigerator or range door is opened. It also enhances the aesthetic qualities of the kitchen.