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US5329388A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Liquid crystal display employing light guide plate between cells

Assignee: Sharp Corp
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Filing: 1992-07-10
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Granted: 1994-07-12
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Expires: 2012-07-10
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Abstract

Abstract In a liquid crystal display system constructed from a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, a light guide adapted to transmit light only in a direction perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells is interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer and the second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell. Because of the provision of the light guide, the images formed on the second and third liquid crystal display cells are focused through the light guide onto the rear surface of the first liquid crystal display cell, viewed from the direction of the observer. The light guide is a sheet of optical fibers or a stack of sheet like members separated by refletion films, the plane of which are perpendicular to the plane of the display.

Inventors

  • 👤 Toshiyuki Yoshimizu

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-29 21:08
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133524; G02F1/1347; G02F1/133528; G02F1/133533

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim 139 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each of the liquid crystal display cells including a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates; and an optical member interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell and the second liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 139 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each of the liquid crystal display cells including a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates; and an optical member interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell and the second liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 17 words
The liquid crystal display system of claim 1, wherein each optical fiber is a step index fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 28 words
The liquid crystal display system of claim 1, wherein each optical fiber includes a core having a high refractive index and a cladding having a low refractive index.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 24 words
The liquid crystal display system of claim 1, wherein each optical fiber includes a core of polymethyl methacrylate and a cladding of fluorocarbon resin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 173 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each of the liquid crystal display cells having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates; and an optical member interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell and the second liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the first polarizer is a cyan colored polarizer; the second polarizer is a blue colored polarizer; the third polarizer is a red colored polarizer; and the fourth polarizer is a yellow colored polarizer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 173 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each of the liquid crystal display cells having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates; and an optical member interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell and the second liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the first polarizer is a cyan colored polarizer; the second polarizer is a blue colored polarizer; the third polarizer is a red colored polarizer; and the fourth polarizer is a yellow colored polarizer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 121 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, the optical member transmitting light only in a direction perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the optical member includes a plurality of sheet-like members coated with total reflection film on both front and rear surfaces thereof and arranged parallel to each other with the total reflection film surfaces facing each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 121 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, the optical member transmitting light only in a direction perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the optical member includes a plurality of sheet-like members coated with total reflection film on both front and rear surfaces thereof and arranged parallel to each other with the total reflection film surfaces facing each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 20 words
The liquid crystal display system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of sheet-like members consist of polymethyl methacrylate sheets.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 127 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, the optical member transmitting light only in a direction perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the optical member comprises tow light guides each consisting of a plurality of sheet-like members coated with total reflection film of both front and rear surfaces thereof and arranged parallel to each other with the total reflection film surfaces facing each other.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 127 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, the optical member transmitting light only in a direction perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the optical member comprises tow light guides each consisting of a plurality of sheet-like members coated with total reflection film of both front and rear surfaces thereof and arranged parallel to each other with the total reflection film surfaces facing each other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 34 words
The liquid crystal display system according to claim 8, wherein the two light guides disposed with their planes along the longitudinal direction of the sheet-like members are arranged at right angles to each other.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 20 words
The liquid crystal display system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of sheet-like members consist of polymethyl methacrylate sheets.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 203 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the plurality of stacked liquid crystal display cells includes a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, and wherein the optical member is interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell and the second polarizer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 203 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the plurality of stacked liquid crystal display cells includes a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, and wherein the optical member is interposed between the first liquid crystal display cell and the second polarizer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 204 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the plurality of stacked liquid crystal display cells include a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, and wherein the optical member is interposed between the second polarizer and a second liquid crystal display cell.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 204 words
A liquid crystal display system for forming a display image by superposing images displayed on a plurality of liquid crystal display cells stacked one on top of another, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates comprising: an optical member interposed between a first liquid crystal display cell disposed nearest to an observer of the display image and a second liquid crystal display cell disposed behind the first liquid crystal display cell, including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity and in parallel, with their light transmitting direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the plurality of stacked liquid crystal display cells include a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, and wherein the optical member is interposed between the second polarizer and a second liquid crystal display cell.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 135 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, and an optical member interposed between the first and the second liquid crystal display cell including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity with their light transmitting direction oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 135 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, and an optical member interposed between the first and the second liquid crystal display cell including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity with their light transmitting direction oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 168 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, and an optical member interposed between the first and second liquid crystal display cells including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity with their light transmitting direction oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the first polarizer is a cyan colored polarizer, the second polarizer is a blue colored polarizer, the third polarizer is a red colored polarizer and the fourth polarizer is a yellow colored polarizer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 168 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, and an optical member interposed between the first and second liquid crystal display cells including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity with their light transmitting direction oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the first polarizer is a cyan colored polarizer, the second polarizer is a blue colored polarizer, the third polarizer is a red colored polarizer and the fourth polarizer is a yellow colored polarizer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 155 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, and an optical member interposed between the first and second liquid crystal display cells including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity with their light transmitting direction oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein each optical fiber is a step fiber and includes a core of polymethyl methacrylate and a cladding of fluorocarbon resin.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 155 words
A liquid crystal display system comprising: a first polarizer, a first liquid crystal display cell, a second polarizer, a second liquid crystal display cell, a third polarizer, a third liquid crystal display cell, and a fourth polarizer, stacked in this order, each liquid crystal display cell having a liquid crystal layer interposed between two substrates, and an optical member interposed between the first and second liquid crystal display cells including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in close proximity with their light transmitting direction oriented parallel to the direction perpendicular to display surfaces of the plurality of liquid crystal display cells, the entire optical member being molded into a flat panel shape, wherein the optical member transmits light only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display surfaces of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein each optical fiber is a step fiber and includes a core of polymethyl methacrylate and a cladding of fluorocarbon resin.

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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) 1997-07-11 1998-01-10 1998-07-12 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2001-07-11 2002-01-10 2002-07-12 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2005-07-11 2006-01-10 2006-07-12 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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