Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
In combination with a liquid crystal assembly of the type having sequential layers including a first transparent support plate, a covering transparent electrode attached to one side of the first support plate, a field effect liquid crystal in electrical contact with the covering transparent electrode, a second transparent support plate adjacent to the field effect liquid crystal, a predetermined array of transparent electrodes attached to one side of the second transparent support plate in electrical communication with the field effect liquid crystal, and a first light polarizer attached to the other side of the second transparent support plate, a second polarizer inclined relative to the other side of the first transparent support plate, and a reflector in juxtaposition with the first polarizer, whereby ambient light incident on the first transparent support plate on the side of said second polarizer forming an acute angle therewith may pass through the liquid crystal assembly, impinge on said reflector, and pass back through the liquid crystal assembly to impinge on said second polarizer, so that ambient light energy loss due to reflected and absorbed energy is limited to that occurring during transmission of the ambient light energy through said first polarizer twice and said second polarizer once, whereby an observer positioned on the side of said second polarizer forming an obtuse angle with the first transparent support plate may observe greater light and dark contrast according to the polarization of the reflected light as determined by electric fields applied between the covering transparent and predetermined array of transparent electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
In combination with a liquid crystal assembly of the type having sequential layers including a first transparent support plate, a covering transparent electrode attached to one side of the first support plate, a field effect liquid crystal in electrical contact with the covering transparent electrode, a second transparent support plate adjacent to the field effect liquid crystal, a predetermined array of transparent electrodes attached to one side of the second transparent support plate in electrical communication with the field effect liquid crystal, and a first light polarizer attached to the other side of the second transparent support plate, a second polarizer inclined relative to the other side of the first transparent support plate, and a reflector in juxtaposition with the first polarizer, whereby ambient light incident on the first transparent support plate on the side of said second polarizer forming an acute angle therewith may pass through the liquid crystal assembly, impinge on said reflector, and pass back through the liquid crystal assembly to impinge on said second polarizer, so that ambient light energy loss due to reflected and absorbed energy is limited to that occurring during transmission of the ambient light energy through said first polarizer twice and said second polarizer once, whereby an observer positioned on the side of said second polarizer forming an obtuse angle with the first transparent support plate may observe greater light and dark contrast according to the polarization of the reflected light as determined by electric fields applied between the covering transparent and predetermined array of transparent electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A combination as in claim 1 wherein said reflector has a focal point on the side of said second polarizer forming an obtuse angle with the first support plate, whereby reflected ambient light is concentrated on the back of said second polarizer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A combination as in claim 2 together with an outer case for housing the liquid crystal display, said outer case having an opening therein for passing light incident on the first transparent support plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A combination as in claim 1 together with an outer case for housing the liquid crystal display, said outer case having an opening therein for passing light incident on the first transparent support plate.