Projection screen apparatus including holographic optical element

• US 6,483,612 B2
• Filed: 04/05/2000
• Issued: 11/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CHI MEI Materials Technology Corporation
• Original Assignee: Duke University
• Inventors: Walker, Dale S.
• Primary Examiner(s): MAHONEY, CHRISTOPHER E
• Application Number:
  US09/521,236
• Publication Number:
  US 20010001582A1
• Time in Patent Office: 958 Days
• Field of Search: 359/443, 359/453, 359/456, 359/460, 359/1, 359/15
• US Class Current: 359/15
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/1876 Diffractive Fresnel lenses; Zone plates; Kinoforms G02B5/1842, G02B5/1847 take precedence; optical systems having diffractive correction means G02B27/0037; Fresnel lenses operating by refraction G02B3/08
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/1885 Arranged as a periodic array
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/625 Lenticular translucent screens

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.

Claims

1. A screen apparatus, comprising:

a holographic optical element adapted to receive image light and to redirect the image light; and

a non-holographic diffuser adapted to receive the redirected image light from the holographic optical element and to scatter the redirected image light.

2. The screen apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holographic optical element is adapted to substantially collimate the image light.

5. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser are adapted to provide a substantially uniformly illuminated viewing region.

6. The screen apparatus of claim 5, wherein the viewing region comprises an optimized viewing position.

7. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element is adapted to substantially converge the image light.

8. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the diffuser comprises two or more immiscible materials.

9. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser are disposed adjacent to one another with substantially no air gap therebetween.

10. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, further comprising an index matching material disposed between the holographic optical element and the diffuser.

11. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser are adapted to provide gain profiles of image light substantially directed toward a viewer.

12. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the diffuser focuses the redirected image light as it passes through the diffuser.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 or 3, further comprising a computer monitor, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser comprise part of the computer monitor.

14. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, further comprising an image source adapted to provide image light to the holographic optical element, wherein the image light comprises substantially white light.

15. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser comprise a flexible combination.

16. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser comprise a laminated element.

17. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element comprises a transmission-type holographic optical element.

18. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element comprises a reflection-type holographic element.

19. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element comprises a photopolymer material.

20. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser are adapted to provide the redirected image light predominantly to a particular viewing position.

21. The screen apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein the holographic optical element and the diffuser are formed as layers, coatings, or are bonded to one another.

22. A display apparatus comprising the screen apparatus of claims 1 or 3, and further comprising:

a projection apparatus configured to produce an image to be displayed on a display surface; and

at least one reflector, wherein the image to be displayed is reflected off of the at least one reflector before passing through the holographic optical element and the diffuser.

23. The display apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one reflector comprises at least two reflectors and wherein the image to be displayed is reflected off of the at least two reflectors before passing through the holographic optic element and the diffuser.

24. The display apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:

an optical device, wherein an image to be displayed reaches the optical device twice on its way to the display surface.

25. The display apparatus of claim 24, wherein the optical device is a reflecting polarizer.

26. The display apparatus of claim 24, wherein the image to be displayed passes through the optical device prior to passing through the holographic optical element and the diffuser.

27. The display apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:

a reflector, wherein at least a portion of the image to be displayed first reaches the optical device and is reflected therefrom, reaches the reflector and is reflected therefrom, and then reaches the optical device again and passes therethrough.

28. The display apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a polarizer disposed between the reflector and the optical device.

3. A screen apparatus, comprising:

a holographic optical element adapted to receive image light and to redirect the image light in a non-collimated form; and

a diffuser adapted to receive the redirected image light from the holographic optical element and to scatter the redirected image light.

4. The screen apparatus of claim 3, wherein the diffuser is a non-holographic diffuser.