Abstract: An information system in a motor vehicle which includes electronic circuits connectable to the vehicle computer of the motor vehicle as well as one or more sensors, a display device and possibly operational elements. In order that the display device be clearly laid out for the driver, it is designed so that the sensor and the circuits are accommodated in the frame of a motor vehicle rear-view mirror, with the circuits being linked to a cable connectable to the on-board computer and led through a hollow arm of the rear-view mirror, with the display system being integrated in the mirror glass of the rear-view mirror.

Abstract: A backlight liquid crystal display including a collimated backlight for illuminating a display panel having a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between rear and front polarizers, the panel including an optical refracting film and a diffuser laminated adjacent the front surface of the panel. The refracting film and light scattering diffuser may be either exterior or interior the front polarizer, but on the viewer side of the liquid crystal layer. The optical system of the refracting faceted film along with the diffuser maintains the resolution of the display, improves the contrast ratio over a wide range of viewing angles, reduces its ambient light reflectively, reduces color shifting, substantially eliminates inversion, and enlarges the effective viewing zone of the display.

Abstract: A computer screen filter assembly includes a filter and a frame for receiving the filter. The frame has a pair of generally longitudinally disposed sawtooth surfaces. One of the sawtooth surfaces is disposed adjacent one side of the filter and the other of the sawtooth surfaces is disposed adjacent the other side of the filter. A pair of brackets are slidably attached to the frame adjacent the upper corners of the frame. The brackets each have a horizontally disposed support adapted to engage the top surface of a computer monitor so that the filter is disposed over the computer screen. The brackets each have a pawl capable of engaging and disengaging a respective sawtooth surface so that the frame and the filter can be adjusted to a variety of vertical locations with respect to the computer screen.

Abstract: A method and window for providing a clean aperture at the reading face of a symbology reader. The window includes a layered structure including laminar sheets of optically transmissive material overlaying a window base and the adjacent laminar sheets. Each laminar sheet is releasably bonded to the window base. In use, when the outermost laminar sheet is damaged, it is peeled away to reveal the clean sheet beneath. In one embodiment, each laminar sheet includes an integral grasping tab projecting outwardly. The grasping tabs in each successive sheet are offset to permit a user to grasp the single tab corresponding to the outermost laminar sheet to peel it away. In one embodiment, a flexible boot covers an edge portion of the window to protect the window structure and retain the laminar sheets from being inadvertently peeled off. In one embodiment, the grasping tabs are replaced with recesses to provide access for gripping subsequent sheets.

Abstract: An eye protecting mask of a video display comprises a frame and an adjustment device. The frame is provided centrally in the top side thereof with a recessed portion which is provided respectively in the inner walls of two sides thereof with a predetermined number of retaining slots and with an opening adjacent to the retaining slots. The adjustment device comprises a base and a pivoting member capable of swiveling on a pivot and corresponding in location to the recessed portion of the frame. The pivoting member is provided respectively at both ends thereof with a retaining portion and a cut adjacent to the retaining portion. The pivoting member is fitted into the recessed portion of the frame such that the two retaining portions of the pivoting member are engaged with the retaining slots of the frame so as to locate properly the eye protecting mask in front of the video display.

Abstract: A multifunction glare screen for a monitor with a video display has a filter mounted in a frame. The frame is provided with a grasping clip which can be removably mounted on either side thereof for holding a document. L-shaped suspension devices insertable into slots in the frame are attachable to the monitor for suspending the filter in front of the video display. Arms with grooves are provided on the suspension device for storing a writing or pointing instrument.

Abstract: A multilayer antireflective coating is applied to the outer surface of a video display panel such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a flat panel display in the form of successive thin layers each having a different light refractive index, where the light refractive index of each layer decreases in the direction away from the surface of the display panel and toward the outer layer of the coating. Each layer is formed from the same starting gel materials, with the degree of crosslinking of each gel layer varied to provide the desired light refractive index for reducing reflections from the display panel's outer surface over a wide spectrum. The extent of crosslinking and thus the individual layer's light refractive index is varied by controlling the aging of the gel, with longer aging providing increased crosslinking and larger molecular weight for a lower light refractive index. For example, silica gels aged over different time periods provide gels having a light refractive index ranging from 1.

Abstract: A filter screen including a mounting frame mounted on a monitor, a screen glass holder frame pivotally connected to the mounting frame, a conductive screen glass mounted between the front and back shells of the screen glass holder frame and covered over the screen of the monitor, and a radiation alarm and eliminator circuit mounted on the screen glass holder frame and connected to the hot and neutral slots of a power outlet socket by a two-blade plug permitting the radiation of the monitor to be guided by the conductive screen glass to grounding, and wherein the radiation alarm and eliminator circuit has an indicator lamp and a buzzer controlled by an option switch to flash or buzz when the two blades of the plug are not inserted into the hot and neutral slots of the power outlet socket correctly.

Abstract: A glare filter for use with a visual display terminal having a display screen on its forward side is disclosed. The glare filter includes a filter screen, a mount, and couplings. The filter screen has lateral edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. A mount is secured to the terminal and includes two lateral guides that form channels. The distance between the channels is slightly larger than the width of the filter screen to slidably receive the lateral edges of the filter screen. The channels are oriented generally transverse to the surface of the display screen, such that the filter screen may be held above the terminal and above the display screen. The couplings extend from the filter screen and slidably and pivotally engage within the channels of the lateral guides. The couplings are pivotally movable relative to the mount when the filter screen is extended to a forwardmost position relative to the mount. This allows the filter screen to be pivoted downwardly to a position overlying the display screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for minimizing initial surface reflections which can be reflected from the surroundings via the reflecting surface of an electronic display screen in the direction towards a given observation position, whereby the display screen is arranged on a base, preferably mounted on a dashboard of a vehicle, whereby at least a certain region of, or adjoining, the base to which the display screen is intended to be attached, is treated in such manner that a low reflecting surface is obtained.

Abstract: A selectively variable window tinting system for limiting a passage of both visible light and radiative heat through an automobile window. Embodiments of the system include window glass assemblies which utilize photochromatic glass, electrochromatic glass, and a pair of spaced glass panes fillable with a tinted fluid. The latter embodiment also utilizes a plurality of differently tinted fluids which may be selectively injected between the glass panes to provide various amounts of tinting therein.

Abstract: A device for relieving strain on the eyes of someone working at a computer monitor combines wide applicability with extreme simplicity. The device comprises a flat shield around the edges of the monitor housing.

Abstract: Instruments are often designed to operate in connection with a variety of machine types. Advantageously, the instrument is capable of modifying the appearance and function of its displays in response to the machine to which the instrument is connected. The subject invention includes a device for producing an identification code and a plurality of gauges for indicating levels of the sensed parameters. Each of the gauges has an outline segment for illustrating a range of levels of the sensed parameter indicated by the gauge and a symbol for identifying the sensed parameter indicated by the gauge. A controller receives the identification code and selectively enables one or more of the plurality of gauges and illuminates the outline segment and symbol associated with each of the enabled gauges in response to the identification code.

Abstract: A monitor filter screen mounting device has a mounting block, a slide block slidably connected to the locating block by an adjusting screw to hold a filter screen in front of a monitor by a suspension arm, the suspension arm having one end pivoted to a cross bar on the filter screen at the top and an opposite end pivotably mounted on a round head pivot bolt and releasably retained to the slide block at a desired angular position by toothed joints. The position of the filter screen is adjusted horizontally and vertically by means of controlling the adjusting screw and the round head pivot bolt.

Abstract: A display device including a display screen having an optical film provided thereon. The optical film is a porous thin film made of fine magnesium fluoride particles and a binder containing a condensate of a silane compound having a fluoroalkyl group, a co-condensate of the silane compound and silicon, or a co-condensate of the silane compound and a metal oxide compound. The combination of the specific binder and fine magnesium fluoride particles permits forming a porous optical film having a surprisingly high mechanical strength, excellent resistance to humidity and reduced external light reflection from the display plane.

Abstract: A glare reduction system for viewing an object comprising a top, a bottom and two side projection panels wherein the panels are interconnected so as to form an enclosure. The system can also include at least one shutter panel which is mounted at or near an outward edge of at least one of the projection panels and which is adjustable to control reflective light. At least one bulletin board panel can also be affixed to the side or top projection panel. Additionally, eye strain reduction can be obtained by the use of a system of moveable lenses that is manually adjustable or is provided with a mechanism to move the lenses in and out of an enclosure portion and in front of or away from the object being viewed.

Abstract: A photochromic material adapted for coating light transmissive materials. The photochromic material contains photosensitive silver halide crystals having dimensions in the range of approximately 50 Angstroms to 800 Angstroms. The silver halide crystals are surface doped with copper ions and another sensitizer selected from mild reducing agents, thioethers, or sulfur-bearing ions and are treated with an agent to accelerate the forward reaction and control the reverse reaction. The accelerants are ions selected from the group consisting of cobalt, chromium, manganese, magnesium, and rare earth metals such as cerium, samarium and europium. The agent for controlling the reverse reaction is one that confers electrical conductivity on the material and while to this end glycerol containing a high concentration of metal ions, methane sulfonic acid and benzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride are useful, the preferred agent is phosphoric acid.

Abstract: An antireflective coating layer 22 is applied to a substrate 20, the coating layer having a refractive index gradient such that the refractive index decreases in the direction from the substrate surface 24 to the outside surface 26 of the coating layer. An organic solution of an alkoxide starting material is provided on the substrate and is converted into a gel in situ by means of a reaction with water, which gel is subsequently dried. During the formation of the gel the reaction conditions are varied in such a manner that a non-porous gel is formed in which the degree of crosslinking of the gel material increases in the direction from the substrate surface to the outside surface of the coating layer.

Abstract: A display visor for attaching to a display unit of a computer work station and for minimizing the magnitude and amount and intensity of reflected light beams caused by light beams projected by the screen of a computer display unit is disclosed. The display visor includes a left wall having a left inner layer, a right wall having a right inner layer, and a top wall having a top inner layer. Each inner layer is a granular or texturized layer of a substantially black coloring for diffusing a part of the projected light beam in inner surface recesses of each inner layer and for absorbing another part of the projected light beam in the substantially black coloring.

Abstract: An optical filter screen for a visual display monitor includes an optical filter supported by a support frame. A pair of adjustable mounting members support the support frame from the visual display monitor such that the optical filter is positioned adjacent a display area of the display monitor. Each mounting member includes a latch member that is movable between an unlatched state wherein the filter can be moved relative to the display area of the display monitor and a latched state wherein the filter is held in a desired position relative to the display area. Each mounting member further includes a movable latch operator for moving the latch member between the latched state and the unlatched state.

Abstract: An article for shielding the display screen of a video display terminal (VDT) from unwanted light and unauthorized viewing comprises a visor attachable around the periphery of a CRT face plate or around the face plate of other types of video display devices. The VDT visor includes thin, flat sheets of a stiff material such as chipboard laminated on upper and lower flat sides thereof by flexible vinyl cover sheets to form panel members. In the preferred embodiment, three separate, generally rectangular chipboard sheets are laminated between a single upper vinyl cover sheet and a single lower vinyl cover sheet, the outer peripheral edges of the cover sheets being bonded together to encapsulate the chipboard sheets in an adjacent relationship to one another.

Abstract: A frame for assembling shielding units for the radiation emitted by apparatus incorporating variously sized video terminals comprises two flat annular structures, namely a front and a rear, which are able to be connected together to simultaneously clamp the perimetral edge of a shielding plate (2), the annular structures each consisting of four identically configured consecutive elements (1), each comprising one corner (11) and one side (10) of the peripheral form of the corresponding flat annular structure, the elements (1) of the front or near flat annular structure overlying the abutting end regions of the pairs of elements pertaining to the rear or front flat annular structure.

Abstract: A diffuse reflecting and specularly transmitting optical shutter structure comprises an optically rough layer of an optically thin optical shutter, and two additional layers disposed on either side of the optical shutter. These two additional layers have refractive indices which approximately match. The surfaces of these two additional layers adjacent to the optical shutter conform to the optically rough surfaces of the optical shutter and the non-adjacent surfaces to the optical shutter of these two additional layers are optically smooth.

Abstract: An optical screen or cover for computer monitors and other video displays comprises a frame to which is mounted an optical plate such as an anti-glare screen, and a concave, U-shaped lip which is mounted to the rear of the frame along three sides of the frame. The lip slides onto and off the monitor for mounting and removing the cover. Also, the lip adapts to monitors of different sizes and provides a snug, custom-appearing fit.

Abstract: An electronic light valve is disposed over a color fill lens formed in an opaque indicia plate and an infrared filter to be energized to a transmissive condition simultaneously with a low intensity light source to illuminate the legend either by ambient light reflecting from the lens or by the light source emitting prescribed energy wavelengths through the lens, whichever thereof having the greater intensity relative to the other. In a deenergized condition of the light source and light valve, the latter blocks ambient light from the legend to prevent viewing thereof.

Abstract: A glass article for motor vehicles, in particular a windshield, is provided with a transparent multilayered coating for simultaneously reducing the transmission of incident light energy and combining data relating to driving with the images of the outer environment. The glass article has the following sequence of layers: (glass)/TiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3)/(Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or SiO.sub.2)/(Al or Al/Ag or Ag/Al or Ag)/(Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or SiO.sub.3)/(TiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3). The transparent coating has the capacity of screening solar radiation and sorting information derived from an apparatus of the head-up display type.

Abstract: A back-lit display having a window including a light-collimating film. The light-collimating film has an opaque material on a surface thereof. A material of a predetermined color is on the opaque material in registration therewith.

Abstract: A display visor for attaching to a display unit of a computer work station and for minimizing the magnitude and amount and intensity of reflected light beams caused by light beams projected by the screen of a computer display unit. The display visor includes a left wall having a left inner layer and a right wall having a right inner layer and a top wall having a top inner layer. Each inner layer is a granular layer of a substantially black coloring for diffusing a part of the projected light beam in inner surface recesses of each inner layer and for absorbing another part of the projected light beam in the substantially black coloring.

Abstract: A glare reduction system for video display screens having a top, a bottom and two side projection panels wherein each panel projects outwardly from an edge of the video display screen. There is also included at least one shutter panel which is mounted at or near an outward edge of at least one of the projection panels and which is adjustable to control reflective light.

Abstract: A photochromic material adapted for coating light transmissive materials. The photochromic material contains photosensitive silver halide crystals having dimensions in the range of approximately 50 Angstroms to 800 Angstroms. The silver halide crystals are surface doped with copper ions and another sensitizer selected from mild reducing agents or sulfur-bearing ions. The crystals are dispersed in a protective polymer that does not irreversibly bind halogen.