US5982553A — Display device incorporating one-dimensional grat…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 166 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image, comprising: a diffractive light-valve array, said light-valve array including a row of elongated, individually-operable, spaced-apart modulator members aligned parallel to each other, each of said modulator members for causing diffraction of light incident thereon to an extent determined by an operational state of said operable member; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of said incident light from a non-diffracted portion of said incident light; electronic means for operating said operable elements of said light-valve array to correspond to image-elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for providing a magnified image of said light-valve array, via said separated diffracted, light portion, to a viewer; and scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for scanning said magnified image through the field of view of a viewer to represent sequential lines of the two-dimensional image, thereby causing said magnified image to appear to the viewer as the two-dimensional image.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 166 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image, comprising: a diffractive light-valve array, said light-valve array including a row of elongated, individually-operable, spaced-apart modulator members aligned parallel to each other, each of said modulator members for causing diffraction of light incident thereon to an extent determined by an operational state of said operable member; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of said incident light from a non-diffracted portion of said incident light; electronic means for operating said operable elements of said light-valve array to correspond to image-elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for providing a magnified image of said light-valve array, via said separated diffracted, light portion, to a viewer; and scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for scanning said magnified image through the field of view of a viewer to represent sequential lines of the two-dimensional image, thereby causing said magnified image to appear to the viewer as the two-dimensional image.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 79 words

The display system of claim 1 wherein said light-valve array is a grating light-valve array and said movable members are reflective, each of said movable reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding fixed reflective-member, through planes parallel to and separated from a plane in which said fixed reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding movable and fixed reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said movable and fixed reflective-members.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 30 words

The display system of claim 1, wherein said magnified image of said light valve array is a virtual image and is viewed by said viewer through said magnifying lens means.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 46 words

The display system of claim 1, wherein said magnified image of said light valve array is a real image projected by said magnifying lens means for imaging onto a receiving surface viewable by the viewer and is scanned by said scanning means over said receiving surface.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 213 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image, comprising: a light-valve array, said light-valve array including a row of elongated, individually-operable, spaced-apart modulator members aligned parallel to each other, each of said modulator members for causing diffraction of light to an extent determined by an operational state of said modulator member; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said light-valve array from a non-diffracted portion of light from said light-valve array; electronic means for operating said operable elements of said light-valve array to correspond to image-elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for providing a magnified image of said light-valve array, via said separated diffracted, spatially-modulated light portion, to a viewer; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for scanning said magnified image through the field of view of the viewer to represent sequential lines of the two-dimensional image, thereby causing said magnified image to appear to the viewer as the two-dimensional image; and said magnifying lens means, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located at about respectively a telecentric object position and an exit pupil of said magnifying lens means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 213 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image, comprising: a light-valve array, said light-valve array including a row of elongated, individually-operable, spaced-apart modulator members aligned parallel to each other, each of said modulator members for causing diffraction of light to an extent determined by an operational state of said modulator member; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said light-valve array from a non-diffracted portion of light from said light-valve array; electronic means for operating said operable elements of said light-valve array to correspond to image-elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for providing a magnified image of said light-valve array, via said separated diffracted, spatially-modulated light portion, to a viewer; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for scanning said magnified image through the field of view of the viewer to represent sequential lines of the two-dimensional image, thereby causing said magnified image to appear to the viewer as the two-dimensional image; and said magnifying lens means, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located at about respectively a telecentric object position and an exit pupil of said magnifying lens means.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 5 wherein said magnifying lens means is an eyepiece lens.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 32 words

The display system of claim 5 wherein said eyepiece lens is of a type selected from the group of eyepiece lens types consisting of Huygens, Ramsden, Kellner, Plossel, Abbe, Konig, and Erfle.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 16 words

The display system of claim 5 wherein said light-valve array is a transmissive diffractive light-valve array.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 22 words

The display system of claim 5 wherein said magnified image is a virtual image viewed by the viewer through said magnifying lens.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 23 words

The display system of claim 9 wherein said scanning means is located at about said exit pupil of said magnifying eyepiece lens means.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 34 words

The display system of claim 10, further including an optical relay arranged in the path of light exiting said scanning means, for providing an image of said exit pupil remote from said scanning means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 31 words

The display system of claim 5 wherein said magnified image is a real image and is projected by said magnifying lens for imaging onto a receiving surface viewable by the viewer.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 14 words

The display system of claim 12 wherein said receiving surface is a viewing screen.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 249 words

A display system for projecting a two-dimensional image, comprising: a light-valve array, said light-valve array including a row of elongated, individually-operable, spaced-apart modulator members aligned parallel to each other, each of said modulator members for causing diffraction of light to an extent determined by an operational state of said operable member; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said light-valve array from a non-diffracted portion of light from said light valve array; electronic means for operating said operable elements of said light-valve array to correspond to image-elements to be displayed; projection lens means for projecting a magnified real image of said light-valve array, via said separated diffracted, light portion, onto a receiving surface, said projection lens means including first and second lens-element groups; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means for scanning said magnified image, through the field of view of a viewer viewing the receiving surface, to represent sequential lines of the two-dimensional image, thereby causing said magnified real image to appear to the viewer as the two-dimensional image; and said first lens-element group, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located at about respectively a telecentric object position and an exit pupil of said first element group, and said exit-pupil of said first element group located between said first element group and said second element group.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 249 words

A display system for projecting a two-dimensional image, comprising: a light-valve array, said light-valve array including a row of elongated, individually-operable, spaced-apart modulator members aligned parallel to each other, each of said modulator members for causing diffraction of light to an extent determined by an operational state of said operable member; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said light-valve array from a non-diffracted portion of light from said light valve array; electronic means for operating said operable elements of said light-valve array to correspond to image-elements to be displayed; projection lens means for projecting a magnified real image of said light-valve array, via said separated diffracted, light portion, onto a receiving surface, said projection lens means including first and second lens-element groups; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means for scanning said magnified image, through the field of view of a viewer viewing the receiving surface, to represent sequential lines of the two-dimensional image, thereby causing said magnified real image to appear to the viewer as the two-dimensional image; and said first lens-element group, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located at about respectively a telecentric object position and an exit pupil of said first element group, and said exit-pupil of said first element group located between said first element group and said second element group.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 21 words

The display system of claim 14, wherein said scanning means is located at about said exit-pupil of said first lens-element group.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 14 wherein said magnifying lens means is an eyepiece lens.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 32 words

The display system of claim 16 wherein said eyepiece lens is of a type selected from the group of eyepiece lens types consisting of Huygens, Ramsden, Kellner, Plossel, Abbe, Konig, and Erfle.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 243 words

A display system for providing a two-dimensional image; comprising: a grating light-valve array including a row of spaced-apart, elongated, movable reflective-members aligned parallel to each other, each of said active reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding passive reflective-member, through planes parallel to a plane in which said passive reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding active and passive reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said active and passive reflective-members; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said grating light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said grating light valve array from a reflected portion of light from said grating light-valve array; electronic means for moving said active reflective-members of said grating light-valve array to correspond to image elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for providing a magnified virtual image of said grating light-valve array, via said separated, diffracted light portion to a viewer; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for scanning said magnified virtual image through the field of view of a viewer, thereby causing said magnified virtual image to appear as the two-dimensional image; and said magnifying lens means, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located respectively at about a telecentric object position and at about an exit pupil of said magnifying lens means.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 243 words

A display system for providing a two-dimensional image; comprising: a grating light-valve array including a row of spaced-apart, elongated, movable reflective-members aligned parallel to each other, each of said active reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding passive reflective-member, through planes parallel to a plane in which said passive reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding active and passive reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said active and passive reflective-members; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said grating light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said grating light valve array from a reflected portion of light from said grating light-valve array; electronic means for moving said active reflective-members of said grating light-valve array to correspond to image elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for providing a magnified virtual image of said grating light-valve array, via said separated, diffracted light portion to a viewer; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for scanning said magnified virtual image through the field of view of a viewer, thereby causing said magnified virtual image to appear as the two-dimensional image; and said magnifying lens means, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located respectively at about a telecentric object position and at about an exit pupil of said magnifying lens means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 18, wherein said magnifying lens means is an eyepiece lens.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 32 words

The display system of claim 18, wherein said eyepiece lens is of a type selected from the group of eyepiece lens types consisting of Huygens, Ramsden, Kellner, Plossel, Abbe, Konig, and Erfle.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 19 words

The display system of claim 18 wherein said scanning means is located proximate said exit-pupil of said magnifying lens.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 37 words

The display system of claim 21, further including optical relay means arranged in the path of light exiting said scanning means, said optical relay for providing an image of said exit pupil remote from said scanning means.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 209 words

A system for printing a two-dimensional image on a print medium; comprising: a grating light-valve array including a row of spaced-apart, elongated, active reflective-members aligned parallel to each other, each of said active reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding passive reflective-member, through planes parallel to and separated from a plane in which said passive reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding active and passive reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said active and passive reflective-members; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said grating light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said grating light valve array from a reflected portion of light from said grating light-valve array; electronic means for moving said active reflective-members of said grating light-valve array to correspond to image elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for projecting a magnified real image of said grating light-valve array, via said separated, diffracted light portion onto the print medium; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for moving the print medium with respect to the said magnified real image such that said magnified real image defines sequential lines of the two-dimensional image at sequential positions on the print medium.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 209 words

A system for printing a two-dimensional image on a print medium; comprising: a grating light-valve array including a row of spaced-apart, elongated, active reflective-members aligned parallel to each other, each of said active reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding passive reflective-member, through planes parallel to and separated from a plane in which said passive reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding active and passive reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said active and passive reflective-members; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said grating light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said grating light valve array from a reflected portion of light from said grating light-valve array; electronic means for moving said active reflective-members of said grating light-valve array to correspond to image elements to be displayed; magnifying lens means for projecting a magnified real image of said grating light-valve array, via said separated, diffracted light portion onto the print medium; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for moving the print medium with respect to the said magnified real image such that said magnified real image defines sequential lines of the two-dimensional image at sequential positions on the print medium.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 53 words

The system of claim 23, wherein said magnifying lens means, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located respectively at about a telecentric object position and at about an exit pupil of said magnifying lens means.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 23, wherein said magnifying lens means is an eyepiece lens.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 28 words

The display system of claim 25, wherein said eyepiece lens is of a type selected from the group of eyepiece lens types consisting of Kellner, Plossel, and Erfle.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 270 words

A system for printing a two-dimensional image on a print medium; comprising: a grating light-valve array including a row of spaced-apart, elongated, active reflective-members aligned parallel to each other, each of said active reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding passive reflective-member, through planes parallel to a plane in which said fixed reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding active and passive reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said active and passive reflective-members; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said grating light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said grating light valve array from a reflected portion of light from said grating light-valve array; electronic means for moving said active reflective-members of said grating light-valve array to correspond to image elements to be displayed; projection lens means for projecting a magnified real image of said grating light-valve array, via said separated, diffracted light portion onto the print medium; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for moving the print medium with respect to the said magnified real image such that said magnified real image defines sequential lines of the two-dimensional image at sequential positions on the print medium; and said projection lens means including first and second element groups, said first element group forming a positive lens, and said positive lens, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located between said first and second element groups at about an exit pupil of said positive lens.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 270 words

A system for printing a two-dimensional image on a print medium; comprising: a grating light-valve array including a row of spaced-apart, elongated, active reflective-members aligned parallel to each other, each of said active reflective-members individually movable with respect to a corresponding passive reflective-member, through planes parallel to a plane in which said fixed reflective-member is located, such that said corresponding active and passive reflective-members together cause diffraction and/or reflection of light incident thereon depending on the planar separation of said active and passive reflective-members; illumination means for causing light to be incident on said grating light-valve array; means for separating a diffracted portion of light from said grating light valve array from a reflected portion of light from said grating light-valve array; electronic means for moving said active reflective-members of said grating light-valve array to correspond to image elements to be displayed; projection lens means for projecting a magnified real image of said grating light-valve array, via said separated, diffracted light portion onto the print medium; scanning means, cooperative with said electronic means, for moving the print medium with respect to the said magnified real image such that said magnified real image defines sequential lines of the two-dimensional image at sequential positions on the print medium; and said projection lens means including first and second element groups, said first element group forming a positive lens, and said positive lens, said light-valve array, and said diffracted light separating means arranged as a telecentric system with said light-valve array and said diffracted light separating means located between said first and second element groups at about an exit pupil of said positive lens.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 236 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image on a viewing screen comprising: a. a light source having a light output; b. a first optical arrangement for cylindrically focusing the light output in a focus line having a focus width; c. a grating light valve array being modulated by electronic means and having a plurality of diffractive light valves linearly arrayed approximately along the focus line such that the light output couples with the grating light valve array, the grating light valve array forming a combination of a diffracted state and a reflected state, the diffracted state forming a linear image; d. a magnifying optical arrangement coupled to the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state; e. a separating optical arrangement for removing the reflected state from the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state, the separating optical arrangement allowing a diffracted portion of the diffracted state to pass the separating optical arrangement; f. a projection optical arrangement for projecting the diffracted portion onto the viewing screen such that the linear image is formed on the viewing screen; and g. a scanning device coupled to the diffracted portion and being driven by the electronic means, the scanning device repeatedly scanning the linear image over the viewing screen in a direction perpendicular to the linear image on the viewing screen such that the linear image forms the two-dimensional image on the viewing screen.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 236 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image on a viewing screen comprising: a. a light source having a light output; b. a first optical arrangement for cylindrically focusing the light output in a focus line having a focus width; c. a grating light valve array being modulated by electronic means and having a plurality of diffractive light valves linearly arrayed approximately along the focus line such that the light output couples with the grating light valve array, the grating light valve array forming a combination of a diffracted state and a reflected state, the diffracted state forming a linear image; d. a magnifying optical arrangement coupled to the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state; e. a separating optical arrangement for removing the reflected state from the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state, the separating optical arrangement allowing a diffracted portion of the diffracted state to pass the separating optical arrangement; f. a projection optical arrangement for projecting the diffracted portion onto the viewing screen such that the linear image is formed on the viewing screen; and g. a scanning device coupled to the diffracted portion and being driven by the electronic means, the scanning device repeatedly scanning the linear image over the viewing screen in a direction perpendicular to the linear image on the viewing screen such that the linear image forms the two-dimensional image on the viewing screen.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 16 words

The display system of claim 28 wherein the magnifying optical arrangement comprises an eyepiece type lens.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 14 words

The display system of claim 28 wherein the separating optical arrangement comprises a stop.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 28 wherein the separating optical arrangement comprises a turning mirror.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 28 wherein the projection optical arrangement comprises a projection lens.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 192 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional virtual image to a viewer comprising: a. a light source having a light output; b. a first optical arrangement for cylindrically focusing the light output in a focus line having a focus width; c. a grating light valve array being modulated by electronic means and having a plurality of diffractive light valves linearly arrayed approximately along the focus line such that the light output couples with the grating light valve array, the grating light valve array forming a combination of a diffracted state and a reflected state, the diffracted state forming a linear image; d. a magnifying optical arrangement coupled to the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state; e. a separating optical arrangement for removing the reflected state from the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state, the separating optical arrangement allowing a diffracted portion of the diffracted state to pass the separating optical arrangement; and f. a scanning device being driven by the electronic means, the scanning device being coupled to the diffracted portion such that the scanning device scans the linear image to form the two-dimensional virtual image.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 192 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional virtual image to a viewer comprising: a. a light source having a light output; b. a first optical arrangement for cylindrically focusing the light output in a focus line having a focus width; c. a grating light valve array being modulated by electronic means and having a plurality of diffractive light valves linearly arrayed approximately along the focus line such that the light output couples with the grating light valve array, the grating light valve array forming a combination of a diffracted state and a reflected state, the diffracted state forming a linear image; d. a magnifying optical arrangement coupled to the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state; e. a separating optical arrangement for removing the reflected state from the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state, the separating optical arrangement allowing a diffracted portion of the diffracted state to pass the separating optical arrangement; and f. a scanning device being driven by the electronic means, the scanning device being coupled to the diffracted portion such that the scanning device scans the linear image to form the two-dimensional virtual image.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 16 words

The display system of claim 33 wherein the magnifying optical arrangement comprises an eyepiece type lens.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 14 words

The display system of claim 33 wherein the separating optical arrangement comprises a stop.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 33 wherein the separating optical arrangement comprises a turning mirror.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 233 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image on a viewing screen comprising: a. a light source having a light output; b. a first optical arrangement for cylindrically focusing the light output in a focus line having a focus width; c. a grating light valve array being modulated by electronic means and having a plurality of diffractive light valves linearly arrayed such that a portion of the light output couples with the grating light valve array, the grating light valve array forming a combination of a diffracted state and a reflected state, the diffracted state forming a linear image; d. a magnifying optical arrangement coupled to the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state; e. a separating optical arrangement for removing the reflected state from the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state, the separating optical arrangement allowing a diffracted portion of the diffracted state to pass the separating optical arrangement such that the diffracted portion is projected onto the viewing screen and further such that the linear image is formed on the viewing screen; and f. a scanning device coupled to the diffracted portion and being driven by the electronic means, the scanning device repeatedly scanning the linear image over the viewing screen in a direction perpendicular to the linear image on the viewing screen such that the linear image forms the two-dimensional image on the viewing screen.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 233 words

A display system for displaying a two-dimensional image on a viewing screen comprising: a. a light source having a light output; b. a first optical arrangement for cylindrically focusing the light output in a focus line having a focus width; c. a grating light valve array being modulated by electronic means and having a plurality of diffractive light valves linearly arrayed such that a portion of the light output couples with the grating light valve array, the grating light valve array forming a combination of a diffracted state and a reflected state, the diffracted state forming a linear image; d. a magnifying optical arrangement coupled to the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state; e. a separating optical arrangement for removing the reflected state from the combination of the diffracted state and the reflected state, the separating optical arrangement allowing a diffracted portion of the diffracted state to pass the separating optical arrangement such that the diffracted portion is projected onto the viewing screen and further such that the linear image is formed on the viewing screen; and f. a scanning device coupled to the diffracted portion and being driven by the electronic means, the scanning device repeatedly scanning the linear image over the viewing screen in a direction perpendicular to the linear image on the viewing screen such that the linear image forms the two-dimensional image on the viewing screen.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 16 words

The display system of claim 37 wherein the magnifying optical arrangement comprises an eyepiece type lens.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 14 words

The display system of claim 37 wherein the separating optical arrangement comprises a stop.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 15 words

The display system of claim 37 wherein the separating optical arrangement comprises a turning mirror.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-11-08	2003-05-10	2003-11-09	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-11-08	2007-05-10	2007-11-09	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-11-08	2011-05-10	2011-11-09	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Display device incorporating one-dimensional grating light-valve array

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