Adjustable contrast reflected display system

• US 6,481,851 B1
• Filed: 06/11/2001
• Issued: 11/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Videotronic Systems
• Original Assignee: Videotronic Systems
• Inventors: McNelley, Steve H., Machtig, Jeffrey S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Adams, Russell
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cruz, Magda
• Application Number:
  US09/878,813
• Time in Patent Office: 526 Days
• Field of Search: 353/28, 345/4, 345/5, 345/7, 359/629, 359/630, 359/483, 359/489, 359/493, 359/501, 359/888, 359/890, 348/14.07, 348/14.1, 348/14.12, 348/20
• US Class Current: 353/28
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 30/56 by projecting aerial or floating images
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/10 using back-projection, i.e. blending artificial background with real foreground
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/144 camera and display on the same optical axis, e.g. optically multiplexing the camera and display for eye to eye contact

Abstract

A transparent-reflective display constructed to be alterable so that reflected images are viewed upon a transparent surface that can alter to a darkened surface, thereby changing contrast of the reflection. An assembly consisting of a beamsplitter and an electronically adjustable contrast layer is constructed as a thin sheet and positioned to reflect an image source. The electronically adjustable contrast layer consists of a shuttering capable material, such as liquid crystal shutters and suspended particle devices, that can be electronically engaged to be in a transparent state and also a darkened (opaque) state. The electronically adjustable contrast layer enables images to been seen in a mode that best suits its video content as to the degree of contrast selected among the transparent to darkened states. An embodiment of the present invention synchronizes events in video content to one of the states of transparent, darkened and the increments between.

Claims

1. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

2. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable between two states, a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

3. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable in selected increments to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby incrementally reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

4. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an electronically adjustable suspended particle device contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable between two states, a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

5. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an electronically adjustable suspended particle device contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable in selected increments to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby incrementally reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

6. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

synchronization means for synchronizing adjustments of the electronically adjustable contrast layer with events in the video content.

7. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable between two states, a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background and a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

synchronization means for synchronizing adjustments of the electronically adjustable contrast layer with events in the video content.

8. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable in selected increments to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby incrementally reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

synchronization means for synchronizing adjustments of the electronically adjustable contrast layer with events in the video content.

9. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an electronically adjustable suspended particle device contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable between two states, a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background and a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

synchronization means for synchronizing adjustments of the electronically adjustable suspended particle device contrast layer with events in the video content.

10. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an electronically adjustable suspended particle device contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable in selected increments to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby incrementally reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

synchronization means for synchronizing adjustments of the electronically adjustable suspended particle device contrast layer with events in the video content.

11. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an electronically adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished, thereby alternately reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

an ambient light detection means for detecting an intensity of ambient light and automatically adjusting the electronically adjustable contrast layer in response to the detected intensity.

12. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an adjustable contrast layer disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the layer being adjustable to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the layer from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

13. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an automated adjustable dual polarizer system disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the system being adjustable to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the system from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

14. An adjustable contrast transparent display system for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system wherein the display system is alterable to reduce and increase contrast of a reflected image, the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel;

an automated adjustable dual polarizer system disposed between the semireflective transparent panel and a background on a side of the panel opposite the observer, the system being adjustable to one of a plurality of states ranging from a transparent state wherein light is transmitted through the system from the background to a darkened state wherein the transmission of light from the background is diminished thereby reducing and increasing contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface; and

synchronization means for synchronizing adjustments of the adjustable dual polarizer system with events in the video content.

15. A transparent display device for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

a layer of image blocking film comprised of micro-louvers disposed on the image bearing surface allowing the image bearing surface to be reflected by the semireflective transparent panel while blocking a direct view of the image bearing surface from the observer.

16. A transparent display device for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system comprising:

an image production device with a visible image for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an image bearing surface in which forms the visible image, having a low vertical viewing angle allowing the visible image to be reflected by the semireflective panel while blocking a direct view of the visible image from the observer.

17. A transparent display device for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system comprising:

an image production device with a bezel framing an image bearing screen for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

a transparent substrate disposed on the image bearing screen and the bezel forming a continuous surface reflected by the semireflective transparent panel.

18. A transparent display device for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system comprising:

an image production device with an image bearing screen for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

an antireflective transparent substrate disposed on the image bearing screen for reducing reflections upon the image bearing screen and increasing the contrast of the image bearing screen.

19. A transparent display device for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system comprising:

an image production device with an image bearing screen for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

a transparent neutral density filter disposed on the image bearing screen for increasing the contrast of the image bearing screen.

20. A transparent display device for displaying video content that allows a background to be visible through the display system comprising:

an image display with an image bearing surface for displaying video content;

a semireflective transparent panel disposed at an angle of between zero and 90 degrees to the image bearing surface, positioned so an observer can see a reflection of the image bearing surface from the semireflective transparent panel; and

a transparent neutral density filter layer disposed on the semireflective transparent panel for increasing the contrast and brightness of the reflection of the image bearing surface.