Projection screen apparatus
AssigneeDuke University
InventorsRichard M. Knox, Dale S. Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Screen apparatuses are provided which include a first lens or holographic optical element layer and a second mask layer. The first layer substantially collimates image light rays to impinge on the mask layer. The mask layer provides an array or matrix of projecting members. Each of the projecting members receives and focuses the substantially collimated light rays to corresponding focal points. The mask layer includes a mask that blocks light transmission except where openings are located. The openings allow the light focused through the focal joints to substantially pass through the mask to form an image. The screen apparatuses can be advantageously employed in display apparatuses.
Claims67
A screen apparatus, comprising:
- a first layer adapted to substantially collimate light;
- a second continuous layer positioned proximate the first layer adapted to receive the substantially collimated light from the first layer and to converge the received substantially collimated light, the second continuous layer comprising an array of projecting members that are spaced between about 5 and 100 microns apart, continuous with the second layer;
- and
- a third layer adjacent the second layer and remote from the array of projecting members that are spaced between about 5 and 100 microns apart, having openings adapted to receive and to pass the converging light as image light, the first layer, the second continuous layer and the third layer being sufficiently large to provide a screen apparatus for a computer monitor or a television.
A method of manufacturing a projection screen, comprising:
- imaging a master that comprises photosensitive material;
- providing a first layer for collimating light;
- providing a second layer;
- forming a matrix of projecting members that are spaced between about 5 and 100 microns apart in a first surface of, and continuous with, the second layer by replicating the master;
- providing a mask layer on a second surface of the second layer that is remote from the first surface;
- and
- forming openings in the mask layer at selected positions thereof.
A screen apparatus, comprising:
- a sheet of at least partially transmissive material having a first surface and a second surface, the sheet being sufficiently large to provide a screen apparatus for a computer monitor or a television, wherein the first surface comprises a non-planar surface forming a predetermined distribution of localized positive optical power units, the second surface has a layer of at least partially absorbing material formed thereon, and the predetermined distribution of localized positive optical power units are spaced between about 5 and 100 microns apart.
The screen apparatus according to claim wherein the layer formed of at least partially absorbing material is deposited on the second surface using one of co-extrusion, lamination, deposition, or another layering process.
A method of forming a screen apparatus, comprising:
- forming a master by imaging a photosensitive material;
- forming a predetermined distribution of localized positive optical power units that are spaced between about 5 and 100 microns apart in a first surface of a sheet of at least partially transmissive material that is sufficiently large to provide a screen apparatus for a computer monitor or a television, by replicating the master;
- forming a layer of at least partially absorbing material on a second surface of the sheet that is opposite the first surface;
- and
- forming openings in the at least partially absorbing layer by irradiating the at least partially absorbing layer with light through the first surface of the sheet, wherein the localized positive optical power units focus the light so that the openings are created in the at least partially absorbing layer that are substantially aligned with the localized positive optical power units.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.