Abstract: The invention concerns a rear projection screen, comprising a support (22) with focusing elements such as microlenses (26) or lenticular elements, a holographic diffuser, and an opaque layer (36) with apertures (38) for allowing through the light focused by the microlenses. The light projected from the rear of the screen is concentrated by the microlenses (26) and passes through the opaque layer by the apertures (38). The holographic diffuser controls the directivity of the light. The incident light on the screen is absorbed by the opaque layer, such that the layer provides good transmittivity, high contrast, and controlled directivity owing to the holographic diffuser. The invention also concerns a method for making such a rear projection screen whereby the apertures in the opaque layer are formed by irradiating said layer or a preparatory material through the microlenses.

Abstract: A light managing screen may provide a rear projection screen, front projection screen or component thereof. The screen may comprise a polymeric composition including a first polymeric material, and a second polymeric material disposed as a plurality of elongated structures within the first polymeric material. Each elongated structure has a major axis and the major axes are substantially aligned. The first polymeric material has an index of refraction that differs by at least 0.01 from an index of refraction of the second polymeric material. In some instances, a pressure sensitive adhesive material is selected as the first polymeric material. The orientation of the elongated structures and the difference in indices of refraction results in the polymeric composition scattering light asymmetrically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The fluorochemical surface treatment is substantially free of perfluoroalkyl groups having more than four carbon atoms. Preferably, the surface treatment is a polyfluoropolyether-based compound comprising at least one polar group or polar group-containing organic radical.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immersive rear projection display capable or providing aspect ratios of 2.66:1 or 4:1, or even greater. This allows viewers to be “immersed” in the images being displayed because the images can encompass both the direct and the peripheral views of a viewer. In one implementation, the immersive rear projection display includes two or more electronic projectors (e.g., three) that are positioned behind a curved translucent display screen. The electronic projectors project respective display images adjacent each other onto the display screen.

Abstract: A light transmitting type screen that enables the viewer to see through to its back side, when the screen is stuck on transparent object such as a show window or a transparent window glass or when it is used as a transparent object, and that is capable of forming clear images projected from a projected thereon is provided. The screen includes a light scattering layer having a front-scattering property, which is composed of spherical microparticles having a mean particle diameter in a certain range dispersed in a binder having a refraction index in a certain range. The light scattering layer is sandwiched between transparent objects such as high-molecular weight resin sheets or show window glass via an adhesive layer or the like.

Abstract: A rear-projection screen 3, including at least a lenticular lens sheet 32 and a Fresnel lens sheet 31, is configured so that the lenticular lens sheet 32 contains, in a base material thereof made of a resin, light diffusing microparticles made of a resin having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the base material, and the light diffusing microparticles satisfy 0.5 &mgr;m≦&Dgr;N1×d1≦0.9 &mgr;m, where &Dgr;N1 represents a difference between a refractive index of the light diffusing microparticles and a refractive index of the base material of the lenticular lens sheet, and d1 represents an average particle diameter of the light diffusing microparticles. With this, a rear-projection screen with small wavelength dependency of diffusion characteristics can be provided utilizing only resins with general properties.

Abstract: Color lights from image projecting sections (207) that enlarge and project images of red, green and blue, respectively, are made incident on a transparent screen at different angles of incidence, so that image synthesis is carried out. The color lights projected are converted into telecentric light by a Fresnel lens (211), and after principal rays of the respective color lights are converted into substantially parallel rays by a color shading eliminating means (219) provided with lenticular lenses on both sides thereof, the rays are incident on a light diffusing means (224). The light diffusing means (224) is formed with a transparent substrate sheet and a plurality of transparent micro beads made to adhere onto a light-incident surface of the substrate sheet with an opaque adhesive. Image light passes through light transmitting portions between the substrate sheet and the micro beads to be diffused.

Abstract: A screen apparatus includes a holographic optical element and a diffuser. The holographic optical element may be constructed using standard techniques known in the field of holography. The holographic optical element may be used to replace a typical Fresnel lens used in projection screen apparatuses. In operation, the holographic optical element receives image light from an image engine or projector and redirects the image light to the diffuser for scattering. The holographic optical element can be designed to substantially collimate, converge, or diverge the image light. The combination of the holographic optical element and the diffuser provides improved illumination uniformity that can be perceived by a viewer as the viewer moves in directions transverse to the screen apparatus. The screen apparatus may be designed to provide improved illumination uniformity to optimized or optimal locations in a viewing region. The screen apparatus may be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projection systems for displaying visual information in a variety of applications in order to reduce the projection area, the weight and the dimensions thereof. In one embodiment, the projection system for producing an external surface projection on a visualization screen comprises a flat and thin visualization screen for carrying out projection on both sides. Images can be watched on the left side and on the right side of this screen. From the surface of the screen and on the left and right sides thereof, projectors are provided for projecting images simultaneously on both sides of the screen. Light diffusers are provided on both sides of the screen. The projections are converted through the optics of the projectors so as to form reduced-divergence projection beams which are entirely captured by the light diffusers and which are diverted and diffused at wide angles of image observation ranges.

Abstract: A first light diffusion layer (1) and a second light diffusion layer (2) are provided. The first light diffusion layer (1) is formed by dispersing a first light diffuser (1B) comprising fine particles in a first base material (1A) formed of transparent resin by 20 to 50 wt %, the fine particles of the first light diffuser having a refractive index different from that of the first base material by 0.07 to 0.17 and having a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 12 &mgr;m, and the first light diffusion layer having a thickness of 50 to 200 &mgr;m. The second light diffusion layer (2) is formed by dispersing a second light diffuser (2B) comprising fine particles having a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 12 &mgr;m in a second base material (2A) formed of transparent resin by 0.1 to 10.0 wt %, and the second light diffusion layer having a thickness of 500 to 5000 &mgr;m and a Haze value of 50 to 85%.

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: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to articles such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The surface treatment comprises at least one fluoropolymer selected from a) fluoropolymers comprising a fluorinated hydrocarbon backbone and side chains comprising at least one of fluoroalkyl, fluoroether alkyl, fluoroalkoxy and mixtures thereof; and b) fluoropolymers comprising a hydrocarbon backbone and side chains comprising at least one of fluoroether alkyl, fluoroalkoxy and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprises a hologram screen 2 formed by bonding a hologram element 20 to light-transmissible films 21 and an illumination device 11 for irradiating image light 10 onto the hologram screen and reproducing an image on the hologram screen 2. The light-transmissible film 21 positioned on the irradiation side of the image light 10 relative to the hologram element 20 has an angle deviation of not greater than 45 degrees between a direction of the light-transmissible film 21 that gives the highest thermal shrinkage ratio and an axial direction in the hologram screen 2. Therefore, the image display apparatus can provide high-quality images without the superposition of an interference pattern on the images on the hologram screen.

Abstract: A rear-projection screen 3, including at least a lenticular lens sheet 32 and a Fresnel lens sheet 31, is configured so that the lenticular lens sheet 32 contains, in a base material thereof made of a resin, light diffusing microparticles made of a resin having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the base material, and the light diffusing microparticles satisfy 0.5 &mgr;m≦&Dgr;N1×d1≦0.9 &mgr;m, where &Dgr;N1 represents a difference between a refractive index of the light diffusing microparticles and a refractive index of the base material of the lenticular lens sheet, and d1 represents an average particle diameter of the light diffusing microparticles. With this, a rear-projection screen with small wavelength dependency of diffusion characteristics can be provided utilizing only resins with general properties.

Abstract: A rear projection display system is provided. The display system includes an image source for projecting an image, a rear reflector, and a screen configured to display the projected image. The screen includes a plurality of angularly discriminating reflective elements configured to reflect light incident on the screen from a first angle toward the rear reflector, and to allow light incident on the screen from a second angle to be transmitted through the screen for display.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collimating light of projected images establishes limited few designs of Fresnel lenses to accommodate conventional image projection systems having a wide range of sizes of viewing screens for the projected images. A multi-layer image-enhancing filter is disposed to receive substantially collimated image light exiting the Fresnel lens. A light-transmissive structure includes a substrate layer supporting a single layer of contiguously-arranged beads of light transmissive material disposed on an incident surface of the substrate layer. A Fresnel lens includes angularly-pitched segments on one surface and an array of a plurality of elongated lenses aligned in one direction on an opposite surface of the Fresnel lens for passing a projected light image therethrough to the layer of beads on the substrate layer.

Abstract: There is eliminated 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 are achieved as viewed at any angle by an observer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a translucent screen comprising a sheet element with a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel with the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a number of lens facets that combine to form a lens system for paralleling diverging light beams that enter into the sheet element. The invention is characterised in that the lens facets contain a refractive agent in a concentration that exceeds the concentration of refractive agent in that part of the sheet element that is located outside the lens facets; and wherein the refractive index of the refractive agent deviates from the refractive index of the material in which the refractive agent is located.

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: A rear-projection screen 3, including at least a lenticular lens sheet 32 and a Fresnel lens sheet 31, is configured so that the lenticular lens sheet 32 contains, in a base material thereof made of a resin, light diffusing microparticles made of a resin having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the base material, and the light diffusing microparticles satisfy 0.5 &mgr;m≦&Dgr;N1×d1≦0.9 &mgr;m, where &Dgr;N1 represents a difference between a refractive index of the light diffusing microparticles and a refractive index of the base material of the lenticular lens sheet, and d1 represents an average particle diameter of the light diffusing microparticles. With this, a rear-projection screen with small wavelength dependency of diffusion characteristics can be provided utilizing only resins with general properties.

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: The invention relates to a display device for displaying visual information, comprising: at least one image-forming element; at least one light source for generating a light beam, which in cooperation with the image-forming element produces an illuminated image; optical means for processing the light beam and/or illuminated image; and a projection surface for receiving the illuminated image, wherein the image-forming element is flat and the projection surface forms at least a part of a cylinder wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rear projection screen that includes a plurality of tapered waveguides and a light absorbing layer disposed over the tops of the waveguides, but that does not completely fill the spaces between the waveguides, thereby forming an interstitial low index region under the light absorbing layer and between the waveguides. The low index interstitial region can include air or a material that has a lower index of refraction than the waveguide material. This rear projection screen construction can give rise to increased efficiency and higher contrast, as well as allow for more design freedom in constructing screens that have desired characteristics such as viewing angle, viewing asymmetry, and the like. Also disclosed are methods for making the described microstructured rear projection screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements. The fluorochemical surface treatment is substantially free of perfluoroalkyl groups having more than four carbon atoms. Preferably, the surface treatment is a polyfluoropolyether-based compound comprising at least one polar group or polar group-containing organic radical.

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 first light diffusion layer (1) and a second light diffusion layer (2) are provided. The first light diffusion layer (1) is formed by dispersing a first light diffuser (1B) comprising fine particles in a first base material (1A) formed of transparent resin by 20 to 50 wt %, the fine particles of the first light diffuser having a refractive index different from that of the first base material by 0.07 to 0.17 and having a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 12 &mgr;m, and the first light diffusion layer having a thickness of 50 to 200 &mgr;m. The second light diffusion layer (2) is formed by dispersing a second light diffuser (2B) comprising fine particles having a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 12 &mgr;m in a second base material (2A) formed of transparent resin by 0.1 to 10.0 wt %, and the second light diffusion layer having a thickness of 500 to 5000 &mgr;m and a Haze value of 50 to 85%.

Abstract: 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: The present invention provides a beaded rear projection screen that has performance properties such as gain and viewing angle that can be tuned by using a mixture of two or more types of microbeads having different refractive indices and varying the mixture. The present invention further provides methods of selecting microbeads and the construction of the screen so that transmission through the screen can remain sufficiently high throughout the range of tunability.

Abstract: A first light diffusion layer (1) and a second light diffusion layer (2) are provided. The first light diffusion layer (1) is formed by dispersing a first light diffuser (1B) comprising fine particles in a first base material (1A) formed of transparent resin by 20 to 50 wt %, the fine particles of the first light diffuser having a refractive index different from that of the first base material by 0.07 to 0.17 and having a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 12 &mgr;m, and the first light diffusion layer having a thickness of 50 to 200 &mgr;m. The second light diffusion layer (2) is formed by dispersing a second light diffuser (2B) comprising fine particles having a weight average particle diameter of 1 to 12 &mgr;m in a second base material (2A) formed of transparent resin by 0.1 to 10.0 wt %, and the second light diffusion layer having a thickness of 500 to 5000 &mgr;m and a Haze value of 50 to 85%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beaded rear projection screen that has performance properties such as gain and viewing angle that can be tuned by using a mixture of two or more types of microbeads having different refractive indices and varying the mixture. The present invention further provides methods of selecting microbeads and the construction of the screen so that transmission through the screen can remain sufficiently high throughout the range of tunability.

Abstract: An optical system with improved color shift characteristics is described. Preferably, the system comprises a rear projection display that includes a light source providing light in first and second distinct polarization states, and a beaded screen.

Abstract: A rear projection screen including a plurality of refracting beads bound in optical contact with a substrate is disclosed. The beads are surrounded by an opaque matrix. A diffuser is positioned such that light traveling through the screen will pass through the diffuser after passing through the beads but before exiting the screen.

Abstract: For providing a rear-projection type display apparatus, and a translucent type sheet for use therein, in particular, using an image modulation element, such as, a liquid crystal or a DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device), etc.

Abstract: A screen apparatus includes a holographic optical element and a diffuser. The holographic optical element may be constructed using standard techniques known in the field of holography. The holographic optical element may be used to replace a typical Fresnel lens used in projection screen apparatuses. In operation, the holographic optical element receives image light from an image engine or projector and redirects the image light to the diffuser for scattering. The holographic optical element can be designed to substantially collimate, converge, or diverge the image light. The combination of the holographic optical element and the diffuser provides improved illumination uniformity that can be perceived by a viewer as the viewer moves in directions transverse to the screen apparatus. The screen apparatus may be designed to provide improved illumination uniformity to optimized or optimal locations in a viewing region. The screen apparatus may be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.

Abstract: An image alignment system for rear projection in which a portion of the normally changing pixel pattern contains a pixel reference mark, which appears in each of the side-by-side pixel images projected onto a screen. A camera having a field of view large enough to encompass the pixel reference mark of each of the images on the screen captures the location of the pixel reference marks to enable a computer to determine the coordinates of the each of the pixel reference marks and generate a deviation signal represented of the visual misalignment of the side-by-side images. A drive member controllable by the deviation signal from the computer repositions one of the side-by-side images with respect to the other to thereby align the images to produce a single visually seamless image. The camera and computer can continually monitor both of the pixel reference marks to continually generate a deviation signal so that the side-by-side images can automatically be brought into a single visually seamless image.

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: For providing a rear-projection type display apparatus, and a translucent type sheet for use therein, in particular, using an image modulation element, such as, a liquid crystal or a DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device), etc.

Abstract: An optically dispersing film for a rear projection system includes reflecting surfaces disposed so as to reflect light passing therethrough into at least one dispersion plane. The reflecting surfaces are formed by structures, of a first refractive index, disposed within a layer of material having a second refractive index. The structures have light absorbing bases at the viewing side of the film. In some embodiments, the reflecting surfaces are disposed at one or more angles so as to reflect light into a number of different directions. In other embodiments, the layer of material having the second refractive index includes diffusing particles that diffuse the light. The film permits the asymmetric dispersion of image light in a rear projection system, so that the light may be selectively directed towards the viewer.

Abstract: A transmission type projection screen includes a diffusion layer on which projection light is focused, and a neutral gray layer positioned behind the diffusion layer on a rear side of the diffusion layer at which the projection light enters. The optical density of the neutral gray layer is in the range of 0.05 to 0.7.

Abstract: A rear projection screen of the present invention includes lens sheets or optical sheets having an optical function of condensing or diffusing light. The lens sheets or optical sheets have, as a whole, two or more diffusing layers (diffusing parts) separately provided in the light-transmitting direction. It is preferable that one of the two or more diffusing layers be provided on the light-entering-side surface of the outermost lens sheet or optical sheet on the light source side and that another one of the diffusing layers be provided on the light-emerging-side surface of the outermost lens sheet or optical sheet on the observation side. Any two of the two or more diffusing layers are such that the light-source-side diffusing layer has a diffusing power lower than that of the observation-side diffusing layer.

Abstract: Provided is a plastic sheet for rear projection screens, which has a two or more multi-layered structure and which can be readily warped without being unfavorably swollen or waved. The plastic sheet is constructed to have a two or more multi-layered structure, in which the coefficient of linear expansion (at 20° C.) of one layer is higher by at least 1.0×10−6 mm/(mm·°C.) than that of any other layer. In one embodiment of the plastic sheet, the layer of which the coefficient of linear expansion is higher than that of any other layer contains a fine particulate rubber material having a diameter of from 0.1 to 100 &mgr;m to such a degree that the rubber material content thereof is higher by at least 0.5% by weight than that of any other layer.

Abstract: A micro-lens array sheet having a wide field angle, a field angle control, a high light efficiency, a high brightness and a high contrast, which is provided with a layer of micro-lenses each shaped to be a centro-symmetry convex or concave micro-lens. A layer of either a light diffusion sheet or a sheet filled with light diffusive agent is attached on a light transmitting side of the micro-lens array sheet. The micro-lenses are aligned in a diamond grid array or an array including a combination of diamond-shape and hexagonal-shape micro-lens blocks.

Abstract: A rear projection screen of the present invention comprises lens sheets or optical sheets having an optical function of condensing or diffusing light. The lens sheets or optical sheets have, as a whole, two or more diffusing layers (diffusing parts) separately provided in the light-transmitting direction. It is preferable that one of the two or more diffusing layers be provided on the light-entering-side surface of the outermost lens sheet or optical sheet on the light source side and that another one of the diffusing layers be provided on the light-emerging-side surface of the outermost lens sheet or optical sheet on the observation side. Any two of the two or more diffusing layers are such that the light-source-side diffusing layer has a diffusing power lower than that of the observation-side diffusing layer.

Abstract: A rear projection screen which includes a front lenticular surface, a diffusion region behind the lenticular surface, a non-diffusion region behind the diffusion region, and a rear phase grating surface, when used with high magnification projection systems, exhibits reduced speckle when compared to other rear projection screen without such a grating.

Abstract: An optical device comprising an image formation unit consisting of a plurality of lens substrates each formed on the front and rear faces thereof with lens arrays and a display unit disposed on an object surface with respect to the image formation unit and displaying an image to be projected by the image formation unit, characterized in that the lens array is a cylindrical lens array and the generating line of a cylindrical array formed on the front face and the generating line of a cylindrical array formed on the rear face cross each other. The lens substrate formed on the front and rear faces thereof with cylindrical lens array is used to provide a small lightweight optical device of a full-size or magnified image system.

Abstract: A rear projection screen including a lenticular lens sheet with lenticular lenses for condensing or diffusing light and a transparent smooth layer having a surface roughness of 0 to 40 micrometers placed on the surface of the light-emerging side of the lenticular lens sheet. The rear projection screen can give an image that (1) is free from roughening, (2) has high fidelity gloss reproduction, and (3) has excellent contrast and sharpness.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.