Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising a substrate with surface features on a surface thereof having an Ra of from 3 to 200 micrometers containing a dispersion of minute particles having a particle size dimension less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: A projection screen comprises a red-reflecting particle layer, green-reflecting particle layer and blue-reflecting particle layer sequentially stacked on a substrate. In each particle layer particles are accumulated by eleven cycles in a regularly alignment such as close-packed structure. Diameter of red-reflecting particles is approximately 280 nm, diameter of green-reflecting particles is approximately 235 nm, and diameter of blue-reflecting particles is approximately 212 nm. Each particles layer is accumulated by self-organized technique. The substrate used here can absorb light of wavelengths other than those of red, green and blue three primary colors.

Abstract: An optical element includes a substrate having at least one surface on which a layer of material is disposed, the layer of material being selected to be at least partially transmissive to radiation with a predetermined wavelength ?. The surface of material includes particles having a diameter in a range of 1–500 nm and the layer of material has a layer thickness in the range of 10–2000 nm. Undesired radiations, e.g. UV and DUV radiations, are substantially reduced or eliminated by scattering, e.g. Mie scattering and/or Raleigh scattering, and/or by absorption by the particles while desired radiations are transmitted to the surface of the optical element.

Abstract: An image display screen which is composed of a multi-layer film consisting of at least 11 layers and formed by alternately laminating first thermoplastic resin layers having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.03 ?m with second thermoplastic resin layers having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.3 ?m and a parallel ray transmittance of 50% or more, and which has at least a reflection peak with a maximum reflectance 5 to 80% higher than the base line of reflectance and a half-value width of 20 to 200 nm in its reflectance curve for visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm, and an image display device comprising the same as a screen. This screen has improved transparency while maintaining the definition of an image.

Abstract: A projection display screen that can electrically alter the reflectivity of a region of the projection display screen in response to the intensity of incident projected light that is applied at the region.

Abstract: There is provided a screen, which, with a simple configuration, is capable of effectively utilizing light projected thereon and realizing an even luminance distribution on the screen. This screen has a diffusion layer whose diffusion characteristic expressed as a luminance distribution with respect to a scattering angle of incident light incident at an angle of 0° is varied such that the peak position of the luminance distribution is shifted towards a greater value of scattering angle in the direction of the central portion of the screen the greater the distance from the central portion of the screen is. The present invention also provides an optical film suitable for use in such a screen, and a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: There is provided a screen, which, with a simple configuration, is capable of effectively utilizing light projected thereon and realizing an even luminance distribution on the screen. This screen has a diffusion layer whose diffusion characteristic expressed as a luminance distribution with respect to a scattering angle of incident light incident at an angle of 0° is varied such that the peak position of the luminance distribution is shifted towards a greater value of scattering angle in the direction of the central portion of the screen the greater the distance from the central portion of the screen is. The present invention also provides an optical film suitable for use in such a screen, and a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, viewable images can be created in glass. Viewable images may be created in glass by using a projector which projects ultraviolet light to excite light emitting material. Clear images may be created in glass because the size the light emitting particles in the glass is less than 400 nanometers. In embodiments, the visible illumination of a transparent substrate to display an image is possible, while the transparent substrate remains transparent. Accordingly, for example, drivers of automobiles may view images (e.g. map images) on their windshield while they are driving. As another example, window shoppers may view enhanced advertisements in the windows of stores that they are approaching.

Abstract: There are provided a light diffusing sheet and a nonglare sheet, which have good diffusion efficiency, can provide bright and high-contrast images and can reproduce high-quality images with reduced unnecessary scattered light and free from image haze and blur. The light diffusing sheet and the nonglare sheet comprise a light diffusing agent which, in use, is dispersed in a transparent base material.

Abstract: A projection screen comprises a red-reflecting particle layer, green-reflecting particle layer and blue-reflecting particle layer sequentially stacked on a substrate. In each particle layer, particles are accumulated by eleven cycles in a regularly alignment such as close-packed structure. Diameter of red-reflecting particles is approximately 280 nm, diameter of green-reflecting particles is approximately 235 nm, and diameter of blue-reflecting particles is approximately 212 nm. Each particles layer is accumulated by self-organized technique. The substrate used here can absorb light of wavelengths other than those of red, green and blue three primary colors.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A light transmitting filter including a light absorbing layer and a transparent layer having a microstructured front surface and a microstructured back surface, wherein the front surface is embedded in the light absorbing layer. The microstructures of the front surface provide a path for light transmittance through the light absorbing layer and the microstructures of the back surface focus the transmitted light thorough the path. The light filter can include an optically clear conformable coating covering the microstructured back surface of the transparent layer.

Abstract: High spatial frequency optical noise in the form of intensity contrasting picture elements in the display of a projected light image on a bead-oriented image-enhancing filter is significantly reduced by interposing light-scattering material in the optical path between a source of the projected light image and the display in order to inhibit formation and interference of coherent light waves, and to mask the appearance of separate or discrete beaded apertures.

Abstract: A screen for a projector includes a Fresnel lens which concentrates incident light, a lenticular lens arranged on a front surface of the Fresnel lens and which forms an image by focusing light passing through the Fresnel lens, a protective panel installed on a front surface of the lenticular lens and which protects the lenticular lens, and a reflection reducing portion formed on one surface of the protective panel, wherein the reflection reducing portion reduces reflection of light by diffusely reflecting the light, and wherein the reflection reducing portion includes a core member capable of being emitted externally.

Abstract: A projection screen is provided that includes a display surface having a plurality of elements. Each element has an optical property that is responsive to an appropriate applied voltage. The display surface may be configured so that the optical properties of each element may be coordinated with the projected image.

Abstract: It is possible to eliminate a fringe pattern produced at the time of incidence of polarized light of a light distribution control element, in which stray light derived from outside unnecessary light in a liquid crystal display apparatus of the like can be effectively reduced, and bright, wide viewing angle characteristics can be achieved when the display is viewed at any angle by an observer. In a light distribution control element constituted of a transparent base member, an array of a plurality of micro-lenses (transparent beads densely arrange on the transparent base member and a light absorbing layer having very small opening portions substantially at focal positions of the micro-lenses, the transparent base member is constituted of a transparent body which is substantially isotropic optically or a transparent body having uniaxial optical anisotrophy.

Abstract: There are provided a light diffusing sheet and a nonglare sheet, which have good diffusion efficiency, can provide bright and high-contrast images and can reproduce high-quality images with reduced unnecessary scattered light and free from image haze and blur. The light diffusing sheet and the nonglare sheet comprise a light diffusing agent which, in use, is dispersed in a transparent base material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising a substrate with surface features on a surface thereof having an Ra of from 3 to 200 micrometers containing a dispersion of minute particles having a particle size dimension less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: A light transmitting filter including a light absorbing layer and a transparent layer having a microstructured front surface and a microstructured back surface, wherein the front surface is embedded in the light absorbing layer. The microstructures of the front surface provide a path for light transmittance through the light absorbing layer and the microstructures of the back surface focus the transmitted light thorough the path. The light filter can include an optically clear conformable coating covering the microstructured back surface of the transparent layer.

Abstract: An optical film comprising microlenses, a light shield layer and a light diffusion layer, wherein, for example, the light transmittance passing through the light shield layer is modulated depending on changed concentrations of silver or a compound containing silver dispersed in gelatin in the light shield layer, has wide angle of field properties and high contrast properties, and can be applied to image display apparatuses such as a liquid crystal display to improve angle of field properties, contrast properties and to prevent image deterioration against outer light.

Abstract: A high contrast projection or depixelating screen comprises a primary matrix of a first transparent material, bodies of a second transparent material of a different refractive index from the first material and, additionally, light absorbing or filtering bodies. In variants, the matrix is a light filtering material and incorporates discrete bodies of light transmitting material.

Abstract: A front projection screen for a video projection system is provided. The front projection screen includes a reflection screen surface, and a reflection material on the reflection screen surface, wherein the reflection material consists of a plurality of red, green, and blue color reflecting cells for receiving projected lights, absorbing a part of the projected lights having spectrums beyond ranges of red, green, and blue color spectrums, and reflecting a part of the projected lights having spectrums within ranges of red, green, and blue color spectrums back.

Abstract: A projection screen comprises a red-reflecting particle layer, green-reflecting particle layer and blue-reflecting particle layer sequentially stacked on a substrate. In each particle layer, particles are accumulated by eleven cycles in a regularly alignment such as close-packed structure. Diameter of red-reflecting particles is approximately 280 nm, diameter of green-reflecting particles is approximately 235 nm, and diameter of blue-reflecting particles is approximately 212 nm. Each particles layer is accumulated by self-organized technique. The substrate used here can absorb light of wavelengths other than those of red, green and blue three primary colors.

Abstract: In applying an application material 7 containing microcapsules 7 dispersed therein on a transparent film 1 on which an ITO electrode 2 is formed, the application is performed under a condition in which a voltage with polarity opposite to the electrophoretic particles in the microcapsules 7a is applied to the ITO electrode 2. Since the electrophoretic particles in the microcapsules 7a and the ITO electrode 2 are attracted to each other, the microcapsules 7a are attracted to the ITO electrode 2. Therefore, the microcapsules 7a in an upper layer of overlapping layers easily enter the spaces between the microcapsules 7a in a lower layer. It is thus possible to avoid overlapping of the microcapsules 7a, and obtain an electrophoretic layer 3 having the microcapsules uniformly arranged therein.

Abstract: A projection screen includes a plurality of convex portions serving as a light diffusion control portion, on the surface of a substrate. An optical thin film overlies the substrate and has convex portions having the same shape as that of the convex portions of the substrate. When external light enters the optical thin film with light in three primary color wavelength bands, the optical thin film reflects only the light in the three color wavelength bands and absorbs at least visible light of the external light. When light in the three primary color wavelength bands perpendicularly enters the optical thin film, the rays of the light have incident angles at the convex portions of the optical thin film and diffuse-reflected at angles twice the incident angles. Thus, a predetermined percentage of the light is diffused to increase the viewing angle of the screen.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens sheet wherein when molding a resin no damage is caused to a mold to there by enable the optical function of light diffusion agent particles to be enhanced, a projection screen, and a method of manufacturing the lens sheet. In a lens sheet having a base material sheet that has a lens formed on at least one surface thereof using an ionizing radiation curable resin, light diffusion agent particles are mixed into the base material sheet and have a mass average particle diameter of 3 to 25 &mgr;m and, when d represents the mass average particle diameter of the light diffusion agent particle and h represents the interval between the trough of the lens configuration of the lens and the surface on the lens-formation surface side of the base sheet material, there hold true the inequality: h>d/3.

Abstract: A beaded light dispersing film has a substrate layer, and an optically transparent layer, having a predetermined thickness, disposed over a side of the substrate layer. Optically transmitting beads are arranged to penetrate at least partially into the transparent layer to define clear apertures at interfaces between the beads and the transparent layer. The bead radius is greater than the predetermined thickness. An absorbing layer is disposed on the transparent layer, in interstices between the beads. A method of manufacturing the film includes disposing optically transparent beads partially in an optically transparent layer disposed over a transparent substrate layer. The optically transparent layer has a thickness less than half a diameter of a transparent bead. An absorbing layer overlies the optically transparent layer.

Abstract: An adhesive layer is provided on a base material in the shape of an elongated film, powder particles are adhered thereon, and then other powder particles and media vibrated in a container are contacted with this adhesive layer. Next, the powder particles are embedded on the surface of the adhesive layer as a monolayer in which part of the powder particle protrudes, so as to form a laminate, and excess powder particles adhered to the laminate are removed. Therefore, a monolayer powder film, consisting of many powder particles embedded as a monolayer so that part thereof protrudes, is produced.

Abstract: A rear projection apparatus having a projector containing a light source and a liquid crystal cell, a mirror for reflecting a light from the projector, and a screen for projecting the light reflected by the mirror. The screen is being composed of an optical film having an optical element capable of forming a spatial distribution of light transmittance, a light shield layer and a light diffusion layer. The light shield layer is positioned between the optical element and the light diffusion layer and is composed of a compound which changes light transmittance depending on irradiation of an energy beam. The light transmittance passing the light shield layer is modulated spatially depending on a dose of the energy beam.

Abstract: It is possible eliminate a fringe pattern produced at the time of incidence of polarized light of a light distribution control element, in which stray light derived from outside unnecessary light in a liquid crystal display apparatus or the like can be effectively reduced, and bright, wide viewing angle characteristics can be achieved when the display is viewed at any angle by an observer. In a light distribution control element constituted of a transparent base member, an array of a plurality of micro-lenses (transparent beads) densely arranged on the transparent base member and a light absorbing layer having very small opening portions substantially at focal positions of the micro-lenses, the transparent base member is constituted of a transparent body which is substantially isotropic optically or a transparent body having uniaxial optical anisotropy.

Abstract: Projection screens and convenient and efficient methods of making such projection screens are provided. Recycled glass is reformed to provide glass microspheres of sufficient quality for use in a projection screen.

Abstract: In a polarization splitting sheet (10) made of a transparent base material sheet (12), a coating layer (14) is provided on the rear surface of the base material sheet(12), this coating layer (14) having spherical beads (16) of a diameter in the range from 1 to 10 &mgr;m protruding from its surface, the spherical beads (16) of the coating layer (14) making contact with a smooth surface (18A) of a light-transmitting material (18). The half-value width of the diameter of the spherical beads (16) is made no greater than 1 &mgr;m, and the protrusion height of the spherical beads (16) from the coating layer (14) is made uniform.

Abstract: A foldable screen is disclosed, which can be used continuously over a long period without distortion, allows writing thereon, and is resistant against physical damages. The screen comprises a resin impregnated paper sheet. The screen may be made into a front screen or a rear screen. The screen may further comprise a thermoplastic resin sheet integrally provided on the resin impregnated paper sheet. The screen may be mounted over a glass pane to provide an advertising media or made into a partition screen. An information board system is also provided utilizing a glass pane type screen and a projector.

Abstract: An active screen reflects a high contrast projected image. The screen has (1) an active layer having visible optical properties changed by an electric field provided by electrodes and (2) a photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer is such that the electric field across a localized area of the active layer depends on the illumination incident on the photoconductor in that area. The local reflectance of the projection screen thus depends on the intensity of light incident upon it. In one embodiment, the reflectance of the screen increases with increasing light intensity to produce a high contrast reflected image.

Abstract: A transmittable display apparatus 1 comprises a liquid crystal display unit 2 and a plane light source unit 3 comprising a tubular light source 4, a light guide 5, and at least one anisotropic scattering sheet 7 disposed between the light guide and the display unit 2. An isotropic diffusing sheet, a prism sheet and an anisotropic scattering sheet may be disposed between the light guide and the display unit 2. In the light source unit 3, assuming that the axis-direction of the light source 4 is X-direction, the anisotropic scattering sheet is disposed with directing a main light-scattering direction of the sheet to Y-direction. In the display apparatus, the anisotropic scattering sheet is disposed in such a direction that a main light-scattering direction thereof is addressed to the horizontal direction of the display surface of the display unit.

Abstract: Light scatter control is provided in rear projection and front projection of light images focused upon a screen having a liquid crystal droplet film, and modulated light gain control of single and multi panel screens is provided, without size restriction, maximizing light transmission and reflection, for brilliant high resolution viewing of cinema and video regardless of high degree of ambient light. Panels of liquid crystal film lamina and associated laminates are joined by imperceptible optical splicing.

Abstract: The enamelled projection screen includes a substrate which is coated with at least one enamel layer which includes a pearlescent pigment and the gloss degree of which is between 1 and 40% on the 60° measuring head according to the ISO 2813 standard. This screen is manufactured by applying an enamel slurry on a substrate and burning it in at a high temperature, whereby, before the burning-in takes place, a quantity, preferably between 0.5 and 50 weight % in respect to the quantity of enamel in dry form, of a pearlescent pigment is added to the enamel slurry. The contents of pearlescent pigment are chosen sufficiently high and the temperature of burning-in sufficiently low in order to obtain the aforementioned gloss degree.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article, useful as a dry erasable substrate and projection screen, comprising a top layer which is dry erasable and whose surface has a 60° gloss of less than about 60. The article provides a projection surface which has low gloss and therefore causes little eye strain and viewer fatigue. The dry erase board provides good write/rewrite characteristics, erasability, including wet erasability and has good image projection. The article may additionally have one or more of layers which include a pressure sensitive adhesive, support layer, a pigmented layer which is a pressure sensitive adhesive or a pigmented polymer or polymer blend, and a back coat which is optionally pigmented.

Abstract: A rear projection screen has one or more internal layers that reduce the speckle perceived by a viewer. A screen assembly has a light-source side and a viewing side. The assembly includes a screen layer to disperse light passing through the screen from the light source side and a matte surface disposed on the viewing side of the screen assembly to reduce ambient glare. A first speckle contrast reducing layer is disposed between the screen layer and the matte surface to reduce speckle formed at the matte surface.

Abstract: Projection screens and convenient and efficient methods of making such projection screens are provided. Recycled glass is reformed to provide glass microspheres of sufficient quality for use in a projection screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens sheet wherein when molding a resin no damage is caused to a mold to there by enable the optical function of light diffusion agent particles to be enhanced, a projection screen, and a method of manufacturing the lens sheet.

Abstract: A reflection type screen having a high SG value, a wide view angle and an excellent color reproducibility of bright parts of projected image is provided. The reflection type screen comprises a substrate having a light reflecting property such as a white plastic film and a light diffusion layer 2 formed on the substrate, which contains a light diffusion agent and a pearl pigment dispersed in a binder resin. The pearl pigment is mica covered with titanium dioxide and has an optical characteristic reflecting blue component of light projected by a projector and transmitting light of a color complementary to blue. When PC images having many white parts or the like are projected on the screen, the bright part of the images does not become yellowish and projected images with high whiteness can be obtained. The content of pearl pigment is preferably 5-100 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the binder resin and 10-150 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the light diffusion agent.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular, to the area of devices or systems whose optical operation is modified by changing the optical properties of the medium of which they are formed and that are intended, in particular, for limiting the luminous intensity transmitted by the system. Specifically, the invention relates to a device for selectively limiting the intensity of a radiation, including a liquid or solid medium containing nanotubes, for example, nanotubes made of carbon or boron, tungsten, silicon, or composite nanostructures, such as BN, BC3, BC2N, CN(C3N4), or MoS2.

Abstract: AVER 2363 This invention relates to a light transmitting filter comprising (a) light absorbing layer having a first and second surface, (b) microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and (c) an optically clear, substantially uniform, conformable layer covering the microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The invention also relates to methods of making the same. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a light transmitting filter comprising the step of laminating a clear substantially uniform conformable layer over transparent microspheres embedded in a light absorbing layer wherein the transparent bead form light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The light transmitting filters of the present invention have improved light throughput and improved angularity.

Abstract: A projection screen element is described that includes a substrate and a diffusion coating disposed on the substrate. The diffusion coating includes a matrix having a first index of refraction and a plurality of particles having a second index of refraction disposed within the matrix. The substrate may be translucent for use as a rear projection screen element or reflective for use as a front projection screen element. A method of making a projection screen element also is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-transmissive material and methods of its manufacture. The light-transmissive material of the invention uses two distinct particles in a diffusive layer to provide increased light transmissive properties. For example, when used as a rear projection screen, the light-transmissive material of the invention exhibits high gain, high contrast, and low scintillation. In another embodiment of the invention, the light-transmissive material includes light channeling contrast enhancement layer.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a window or a viewing screen (18), a housing (24), and optical means (16) receiving radiation which penetrates into the housing by passing through the window or the screen, or producing and emitting radiation which leaves the housing by passing through the window or the screen, the device being characterized in that the housing is completely filled with silicone (20, 22).

Abstract: There is provided a collimating plate including a transparent support, a multiple of light transmitting spheres fixed to the support in partial contact therewith and a light blocking area that blocks passage of light through areas other than light transmitting areas composed of areas of contact between the support and the spheres and nearby areas. There is also provided a backlight system including the collimating plate and a housing that is optically closed by the collimating plate and that includes an inner surface having reflecting properties. They can produce adequately convergent collimated light the intensity of which drops by 50% at angles of no more than ± 15 degrees, thereby realizing a liquid-crystal display that can provide a sufficiently good contrast ratio over a wide range of viewing angles to be advantageously used in medical applications.

Abstract: A light diffusing film is produced by preparing a paint by adding a light transmissive diffusing material comprising resin beads to a light transmissive resin, and coating the paint on one or both of the surfaces of transparent film substrate made of TAC, to produce a light diffusing layer. In the light diffusing film, the haze value on the surface of light diffusing layer is three or more, the difference between the haze value along the normal and that along the lines ±60° apart from the normal is four or less, and the surface is practically smooth whose roughness is so adjusted as to give a surface roughness Ra of Ra≦0.2 &mgr;m. Application of such a light diffusing film onto a display panel inhibits scattering reflection which would otherwise cause the display to be whitish, reduces the variation of haze values which vary depending on the viewed angle, and thus improves display quality.