US3682531A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High contrast display device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-05
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Granted: 1972-08-08
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Expires: 1990-11-05
Abstract
Abstract A high contrast display lens comprises a circular polarizer and a specular reflector confronting limited areas of the circular polarizer. In one embodiment, the specular reflector outlines or encloses relatively transparent character areas which are capable of conveying information. The display device is operated by a source of light which passes through the information character areas and then the circular polarizer for observation by an observer. In another embodiment the specular reflector is in the form of a foraminous screen or mesh having specularly reflective wires or mullions. The screen permits continuously varying messages such as those received from a cathode ray tube to be displayed through the foramina thereof. The specular surface in conjunction with the circular polarizer radically increases the contrast between the message and the background.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew R Jeffers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 05:56
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A high contrast display device comprising circular polarizing means having a front and a rear face, said polarizing means circularly polarizing first light when said first light enters said front face and exits from said rear face, means to direct second light toward said rear face, a mask member having a first area of high optical density and a second area of low optical density, said mask member interposed between said light directing means and said rear face, said mask member having a surface of specular reflectivity substantially coextensive with said first area and confronting said rear face whereby first light entering said front face and reflected from said surface toward said rear face is absorbed by said polarizing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A high contrast display device comprising circular polarizing means having a front and a rear face, said polarizing means circularly polarizing first light when said first light enters said front face and exits from said rear face, means to direct second light toward said rear face, a mask member having a first area of high optical density and a second area of low optical density, said mask member interposed between said light directing means and said rear face, said mask member having a surface of specular reflectivity substantially coextensive with said first area and confronting said rear face whereby first light entering said front face and reflected from said surface toward said rear face is absorbed by said polarizing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The display device of claim 1 wherein said second area is bounded by a margin shaped to convey information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display device of claim 2 wherein said second area is contiguous with said first area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The display device of claim 3 wherein one of said first and second areas surrounds the other of said areas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The display device of claim 1 wherein said second area is one of a pluraLity of spaced apart windows each contiguous to a portion of said first area.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The display device of claim 5 wherein said mask member comprises a foraminous screen, said first area comprising the body of said screen and said second area comprising openings through the body of said screen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display device of claim 6 in which said body of said screen is electrically conductive.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The display device of claim 6 wherein the body of said screen is a film the thickness of which is small in relation to the dimensions of the openings therethrough.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The display device of claim 6 in which said body of said screen is a sheet the thickness of which is at least comparable in magnitude to the dimensions of the openings therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The display device of claim 9 in which said openings each surround a preselected axis favoring a preselected viewing angle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The display device of claim 1 wherein said means directing second light comprises a cathode ray tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The display device of claim 1 wherein said circular polarizer is a plate element having side edges, said polarizer means having anti-reflective absorbing means confronting the side edges of said plate elements.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The display device of claim 1 including means of low optical density providing an anti-reflective surface overlying said front face.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The display device of claim 1 including light diffusing means interposed between said mask member and said second light directing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display device of claim 14 wherein said diffusing means is spaced from said mask member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
76 words
A contrast enhancing filter assembly comprising a linear polarizing element, a mask member, an optical quarter-wave retarding element interposed between said linear polarizing element and said mask member, said mask member having first and second areas, said first area being an area of high optical density and said second area being an area of low optical density, said first area having a surface confronting said retarder element, said surface confronting said retarder element having specular reflectivity.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
76 words
A contrast enhancing filter assembly comprising a linear polarizing element, a mask member, an optical quarter-wave retarding element interposed between said linear polarizing element and said mask member, said mask member having first and second areas, said first area being an area of high optical density and said second area being an area of low optical density, said first area having a surface confronting said retarder element, said surface confronting said retarder element having specular reflectivity.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The filter of claim 16 wherein said second area is contiguous to said first area and has a margin adjacent said first area adapted to convey information by reason of its shape.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 16 in which said first area comprises the body of a screen and said second area comprises an opening through said screen.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 18 wherein said body of said screen is electrically conductive.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-08 | 1976-02-07 | 1976-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-08 | 1980-02-07 | 1980-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-08 | 1984-02-07 | 1984-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |