公开(公告)号：US06046786A

公开(公告)日：2000-04-04

申请号：US901837

申请日：1997-07-28

Applicant: Gary D. Sharp ,  Kristina M. Johnson

Inventor： Gary D. Sharp ,  Kristina M. Johnson

IPC: G02F1/13 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/139 ,  G02F1/141 ,  G02F1/1335

CPC classification number: G02F1/13471 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/1393 ,  G02F1/141 ,  G02F1/1418 ,  G02F2001/133638 ,  G02F2203/02 ,  G02F2413/02

Abstract: This invention provides achromatic liquid crystal compound retarders, achromatic polarization switches, and achromatic shutters using the liquid crystal compound retarders. It further provides achromatic variable retardance smectic liquid crystal retarders. The compound retarder of this invention comprises a central liquid crystal retarder unit and two external passive retarders positioned in series with and on either side of the liquid crystal retarder unit. The liquid crystal retarder unit comprises either (1) a rotatable smectic liquid crystal half-wave retarder or (2) first and second liquid crystal variable retarders having retardance switchable between zero and half-wave. The external passive retarders are equal in retardance and orientation to each other. Design equations determine the retardance of the external elements and their orientation relative to the central retarder to obtain a particular achromatic retardance for the compound structure.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了使用液晶复合阻滞剂的消色差液晶化合物缓凝剂，消色差极化开关和消色差快门。 进一步提供消色差可延迟近晶型液晶延迟器。 本发明的复合缓凝剂包括中央液晶延迟器单元和两个与液晶延迟器单元的任一侧串联设置的外部无源延迟器。 液晶延迟器单元包括（1）可旋转的近晶液晶半波延迟器或（2）可在0和1/2波之间切换的第一和第二液晶可变延迟器。 外部无源延迟器的延迟和取向彼此相等。 设计方程式确定了外部元件的延迟性及其相对于中心延迟器的取向，以获得化合物结构的特定的消色差延迟。

公开(公告)号：US5990996A

公开(公告)日：1999-11-23

申请号：US853468

申请日：1997-05-09

Applicant: Gary D. Sharp

Inventor： Gary D. Sharp

IPC: G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/03 ,  G02F1/09 ,  G02F1/13 ,  G02F1/1335 ,  G02F1/13357 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/23 ,  H04N5/66 ,  H04N5/74 ,  H04N9/31

CPC classification number: G02F1/1336 ,  G02F1/0136 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/13473 ,  G02F1/23 ,  H04N5/66 ,  H04N9/3111 ,  H04N9/3126 ,  H04N9/3167 ,  G02F1/0322 ,  G02F1/09 ,  G02F1/133533 ,  G02F1/133536 ,  G02F2001/133543 ,  G02F2001/133638 ,  G02F2413/04 ,  G02F2413/08 ,  H04N5/7441

Abstract: The present invention provides a high brightness subtractive color filter formed by an electro-optic modulator positioned between two retarder stacks. The second retarder stack echoes the first retarder stack, having the same sequence of retardances but in reverse order and having an orientation rotated with respect to the first stack. The modulator changes the apparent orientation of the second stack so that, in a first switching state of the modulator the two stacks cooperate in filtering the spectrum of input light, and in a second switching state they vanish, leaving white light. Two or more stages can be used in series, each stage providing independent analog control of a primary color. One preferred embodiment eliminates internal polarizers between stages, thereby providing a full-color display with only two neutral polarizers. Hybrid filters can be made using the filter of this invention in combination with other active or passive filters. The color filters of this invention can be used in many applications, particularly in the areas of recording and displaying color images. They can be arranged in a multi pixel array and can be optically addressed.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种由位于两个延迟器叠层之间的电光调制器形成的高亮度减色滤光器。 第二缓速器堆叠回收第一延迟器堆叠，具有相同的延迟序列，但是以相反的顺序并且具有相对于第一堆叠旋转的取向。 调制器改变第二堆叠的表观取向，使得在调制器的第一开关状态下，两个叠层协调输入光的滤波，并且在第二切换状态下，它们消失，留下白光。 可以串联使用两个或多个阶段，每个阶段提供原色的独立模拟控制。 一个优选实施例消除了级之间的内部偏振器，从而提供了仅有两个中性偏振器的全色显示器。 可以使用本发明的滤波器与其它有源或无源滤波器组合来制作混合滤波器。 本发明的滤色器可用于许多应用中，特别是在记录和显示彩色图像的领域中。 它们可以被布置在多像素阵列中并且可以被光学寻址。

公开(公告)号：US5953083A

公开(公告)日：1999-09-14

申请号：US855716

申请日：1997-05-08

Applicant: Gary D. Sharp

Inventor： Gary D. Sharp

IPC: G02B5/20 ,  G02B5/30 ,  G02B27/28 ,  G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/13 ,  G02F1/1335 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/23 ,  H04N5/66 ,  H04N5/74 ,  H04N9/07 ,  H04N9/30 ,  H04N9/31

CPC classification number: H04N9/3126 ,  G02B27/288 ,  G02F1/0136 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/13473 ,  G02F1/23 ,  H04N5/66 ,  H04N9/3111 ,  H04N9/3167 ,  G02F2001/133638 ,  G02F2413/04 ,  G02F2413/08 ,  H04N5/7441

Abstract: This invention provides a complementary color polarizer using a single polarizing film followed by a stack of two or more retarders. In a preferred embodiment, the color polarizers of this invention produce orthogonally polarized complementary primary colors (red/cyan, green/magenta, or blue/yellow). This invention further provides color filters which utilize the color polarizers of this invention in combination with a polarization separator to separate the orthogonally polarized colors. The polarization separator can be passive, such as a polarizing beam splitter, or active, such as a switchable polarizer. The switchable polarizer can employ a nematic or a smectic liquid crystal cell. Two color filters of this invention can be cascaded to provide a three color (RGB) filter with an off-state. In combination with a monochrome display or camera, the color filters of this invention provide color displays or cameras.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种使用单个偏振膜，然后是两个或更多个延迟器的叠层的补色型偏振器。 在优选实施例中，本发明的彩色偏光板产生正交极化的互补原色（红色/青色，绿色/品红色或蓝色/黄色）。 本发明还提供了利用本发明的彩色偏振器与偏振分离器组合以分离正交偏振色彩的滤色器。 偏振分离器可以是无源的，例如偏振分束器，或者有源的，例如可切换的偏振器。 可切换偏振器可采用向列型或近晶型液晶单元。 本发明的两个滤色器可以级联以提供具有关闭状态的三色（RGB）滤光器。 结合单色显示器或照相机，本发明的滤色器提供彩色显示器或照相机。

公开(公告)号：US5751384A

公开(公告)日：1998-05-12

申请号：US447522

申请日：1995-05-23

Applicant: Gary D. Sharp

Inventor： Gary D. Sharp

IPC: G02B5/20 ,  G02B5/30 ,  G02B27/28 ,  G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/13 ,  G02F1/1335 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/23 ,  H04N5/66 ,  H04N5/74 ,  H04N9/07 ,  H04N9/30 ,  H04N9/31

CPC classification number: H04N9/3126 ,  G02B27/288 ,  G02F1/0136 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/13473 ,  G02F1/23 ,  H04N5/66 ,  H04N9/3111 ,  H04N9/3167 ,  G02F2001/133638 ,  G02F2413/04 ,  G02F2413/08 ,  H04N5/7441

Abstract: This invention provides a complementary color polarizer using a single polarizing film followed by a stack of two or more retarders. In a preferred embodiment, the color polarizers of this invention produce orthogonally polarized complementary primary colors (red/cyan, green/magenta, or blue/yellow). This invention further provides color filters which utilize the color polarizers of this invention in combination with a polarization separator to separate the orthogonally polarized colors. The polarization separator can be passive, such as a polarizing beam splitter, or active, such as a switchable polarizer. The switchable polarizer can employ a nematic or a smectic liquid crystal cell. Two color filters of this invention can be cascaded to provide a three color (RGB) filter with an off-state. In combination with a monochrome display or camera, the color filters of this invention provide color displays or cameras.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种使用单个偏振膜，然后是两个或更多个延迟器的叠层的补色型偏振器。 在优选实施例中，本发明的彩色偏光板产生正交极化的互补原色（红色/青色，绿色/品红色或蓝色/黄色）。 本发明还提供了利用本发明的彩色偏振器与偏振分离器组合以分离正交偏振色彩的滤色器。 偏振分离器可以是无源的，例如偏振分束器，或者有源的，例如可切换的偏振器。 可切换偏振器可采用向列型或近晶型液晶单元。 本发明的两个滤色器可以级联以提供具有关闭状态的三色（RGB）滤光器。 结合单色显示器或照相机，本发明的滤色器提供彩色显示器或照相机。

公开(公告)号：US5552912A

公开(公告)日：1996-09-03

申请号：US244017

申请日：1994-05-13

Applicant: Gary D. Sharp ,  Kristina M. Johnson

Inventor： Gary D. Sharp ,  Kristina M. Johnson

IPC: G02F1/13 ,  G02F1/1335 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02F1/1337 ,  G02F1/1343 ,  G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/135 ,  G02F1/137 ,  G02F1/139 ,  G02F1/141 ,  G02F1/21 ,  C09K19/02

CPC classification number: G02F1/13471 ,  G02F1/135 ,  G02F1/141 ,  G02F1/1418 ,  G02F1/216 ,  G02F1/134309 ,  G02F1/134363 ,  G02F1/13439 ,  G02F2001/133638 ,  G02F2001/133738 ,  G02F2001/133742 ,  G02F2203/05 ,  G02F2203/055 ,  G02F2203/06 ,  G02F2203/50

Abstract: The present invention provides optical modulators which comprise aligned chiral smectic liquid crystal cells within an optical resonance cavity. The cavity configurations include symmetric and asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalons. The liquid crystal cells can be planar- or homeotropically-aligned and can be discrete state or analog cells. The device configurations of the present invention provide discrete or continuous optical modulation of the phase, intensity, and wavelength of elliptically polarized light, without requiring polarization analyzers. The modulators are optically or electronically addressable in single pixels or arrays of multiple pixels. Certain homeotropically-aligned cells are provided as an aspect of this invention, as are certain variable retarders comprised of planar-aligned cells in combination with birefringent elements.

Abstract translation: PCT No.PCT / US92 / 09707 Sec。 371日期1994年5月13日 102（e）日期1994年5月13日PCT提交于1992年11月5日PCT公布。 出版物WO93 / 10477 日期：1993年5月27日本发明提供在光学共振腔内包含对准的手性近晶液晶单元的光学调制器。 腔配置包括对称和不对称法布里 - 珀罗标准具。 液晶单元可以是平面的或垂直取向的，并且可以是离散的状态或模拟单元。 本发明的器件配置提供了不需要偏振分析器的椭圆偏振光的相位，强度和波长的离散或连续光学调制。 调制器可以在单个像素或多个像素阵列中光学或电子寻址。 作为本发明的一个方面提供了一些垂直取向的单元，以及由双折射元件组合的平面排列单元组成的某些可变延迟器。

公开(公告)号：US5231521A

公开(公告)日：1993-07-27

申请号：US883537

申请日：1992-05-15

Applicant: Kristina M. Johnson ,  Gary D. Sharp

Inventor： Kristina M. Johnson ,  Gary D. Sharp

IPC: G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/141 ,  G02F1/133

CPC classification number: G02F1/141 ,  G02F1/13473 ,  G02F2203/055

Abstract: The present invention provides optical polarization interference filters which employ chiral smectic liquid crystal (CSLC) cells as electronically rotatable retarders. The filters of the present invention are improved in that they are optimized for increased spectral discrimination, uniqueness of spectral outputs and efficient use of CSLC elements. The filters of the present invention include improved single and multiple stage filters. Improved discretely tunable and continuously tunable filters are provided. With respect to filters having one or more stages that contain a series of birefringent elements which are either fixed birefringent elements or active CSLC cells, this invention provides designs which optimize the number of pure spectral outputs which are unique. This optimization relates to the relative order of elements in a stage, the pattern of switching of the active CSLC cells, and the retardations of the CSLC cells in a stage. In a specific embodiment, this invention provides an improved tunable filter that substantially retains the transmissions of a Lyot-type multiple stage filter without requiring the thicknesses of the active CSLC cells to increase geometrically. Continuously tunable filters of this invention include those having a stage which has an analog variable retarder which is the combination of an achromatic quarter-waveplate and one or more analog CSLC cells in series.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了使用手性近晶液晶（CSLC）电池作为电子可旋转延迟器的光学偏振干涉滤光器。 改进了本发明的滤波器，因为它们被优化用于增加频谱辨别，频谱输出的唯一性和CSLC元件的有效使用。 本发明的滤波器包括改进的单级和多级滤波器。 提供了改进的离散可调谐和连续可调滤波器。 对于具有包含固定双折射元件或有源CSLC单元的一系列双折射元件的一个或多个级的滤波器，本发明提供了优化独特的纯谱输出数量的设计。 该优化涉及阶段中的元素的相对顺序，活性CSLC细胞的切换模式以及阶段中CSLC细胞的延迟。 在具体实施例中，本发明提供了一种改进的可调滤波器，其基本上保持Lyot型多级滤波器的传输，而不需要活性CSLC单元的厚度在几何上增加。 本发明的连续可调谐滤波器包括那些具有级联的级，其具有串联的无色四分之一波片和一个或多个模拟CSLC单元的组合的模拟可变延迟器。

公开(公告)号：US20190353948A1

公开(公告)日：2019-11-21

申请号：US16195618

申请日：2018-11-19

Applicant: GARY D. SHARP ,  ANTHONY D. McGETTIGAN

Inventor： GARY D. SHARP ,  ANTHONY D. McGETTIGAN

IPC: G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/139 ,  G02F1/13363

Abstract: Used herein are two or more switchable variable birefringence liquid crystal devices, in combination with a passive retarder, to produce a device that switches between two retardation values. The device preserves the normal-incidence retardation in each of two voltage states over a broad range of incidence angles using a novel self-compensation scheme. According to one embodiment of this design, the retardation in the thickness direction remains zero in both the unenergized and fully energized states.

公开(公告)号：US20190235300A1

公开(公告)日：2019-08-01

申请号：US16260934

申请日：2019-01-29

Applicant: GARY D. SHARP

Inventor： GARY D. SHARP

IPC: G02F1/1347 ,  G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/13363 ,  G02B5/30 ,  G02B27/28

CPC classification number: G02F1/13473 ,  G02B5/3083 ,  G02B27/288 ,  G02F1/0136 ,  G02F1/13363

Abstract: A liquid-crystal based color switch for use with an image sensor having sub-diffraction-limited (SDL) pixels. The color switch may switch between a first mode where green light is passed (and blue and red light is blocked) and a second mode where blue and red light is passed (and green light is blocked). The color switch may include an achromatic switch (such as a liquid crystal switch) and retarder stack filter that are both sandwiched between a first and a second polarizer. The SDL pixels may be distributed so that green subpixels are never adjacent to other green subpixels in the same row or column, so that red subpixels are always adjacent to green subpixels in the same row or column, and so that blue subpixels are always adjacent to green subpixels in the same row or column.

公开(公告)号：US20180299601A1

公开(公告)日：2018-10-18

申请号：US15952336

申请日：2018-04-13

Applicant: GARY D. SHARP ,  ANTHONY D. McGETTIGAN

Inventor： GARY D. SHARP ,  ANTHONY D. McGETTIGAN

IPC: G02B5/30 ,  G02B5/28 ,  G02C7/10 ,  G03B11/00

Abstract: Optical filters that enhance image quality by exploiting differences in the wavelength dependence of the spectral power distribution (SPD) and the degree of polarization between elements in a scene in order to preserve, and more preferably enhance, color-contrast between one or more salient objects in the scene and/or a salient object and a background. The higher degree of polarization may be associated with the background or the one or more salient objects. Color contrast is associated with one or more of a difference in saturation, a difference in hue, and a difference in lightness.

公开(公告)号：US20180180904A1

公开(公告)日：2018-06-28

申请号：US15894999

申请日：2018-02-13

Applicant: GARY D. SHARP

Inventor： GARY D. SHARP

IPC: G02C7/12 ,  G02C7/10 ,  G02B27/28 ,  G02B5/30

CPC classification number: G02C7/12 ,  G02B5/3083 ,  G02B27/288 ,  G02C7/104 ,  G02C2202/16

Abstract: An eyewear lens is described that provides polarization filtering and spectral filtering using polarization interference. The lens produces enhanced saturation and colorfulness, increasing enjoyment when observing commonly encountered imagery. The lens can be configured to optimize accuracy/efficiency when performing a task involving colored imagery, and can improve performance in sports. The lens can further be helpful for color discrimination by those with certain types of color vision deficiency.