Two dimensional displays, transparent displays, and three dimensional displays

Abstract

Display apparatus for displaying two and three dimensional images and video. In some embodiments, the display is at least partially transparent, allowing the viewer to receive visual information from the display and see objects and the environment behind the display apparatus.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A display apparatus comprising:
 a polarized light source configured for providing edge illumination,   a display area comprising at least one pixel row assembly positioned in the plane the light source is configured to emit light in, where the pixel row includes a polarization modifying element with a first side and second side, positioned to receive light emitted from the light source across substantially all of one side, modify the polarization of the light in response to a signal from a controller, said light leaving the polarization modifying element via the second surface in the direction the light was emitted from the light source and contacting a polarization selective reflective surface positioned to receive that light and angled such that the polarization selective reflective surface reflects light of a chosen polarization at a desired angle and transmits light of an orthogonal polarization in the direction the light was emitted from the light source, and   a computer controller for changing the amount the polarization modifying elements change the polarization of the incoming light based on the image to be displayed.   
     
     
         2 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the polarized light source comprises a light source configured for providing edge illumination which emits a variety of polarizations of light and a polarizer configured to polarize the light emitted for providing edge illumination. 
     
     
         3 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pixel row assembly is configured to reflect light to a viewer along the entire width of the display area. 
     
     
         4 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the polarization selective reflective surface is chosen from the group consisting of reflective polarizers, dielectric materials placed at Brewster's Angle, Macneille polarizers, thin film polarizers, and wire grid polarizers. 
     
     
         5 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the polarization selective reflective surface has a surface geometry corresponding to at least one pixel area that is chosen from the group consisting essentially of a flat surface, a surface curved along one axis, a surface defining a portion of a hemisphere, or a rough surface. 
     
     
         6 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , where in the pixel row assembly comprises a polarization selective reflective surface having a width substantially similar to the width of the display area and the polarization modifying element and the polarization selective reflective surface forms a 45 degree angle with the polarization modifying element and the light reflected by the polarization selective reflective surface forms at least a portion of the image displayed. 
     
     
         7 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the polarization modifying element is a liquid crystal cell. 
     
     
         8 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the display area is constructed of materials which are at least partially transparent to some visible light of some polarization and orientation. 
     
     
         9 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein light reflected by the polarization selective reflective surface is reflected toward the viewer. 
     
     
         10 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pixel row assembly is configured to produce images for one pixel row and has a display area height of one pixel. 
     
     
         11 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pixel row assembly is configured to produce images for multiple pixel rows and has a display area corresponding to multiple pixel rows and the polarization modifying element alters the polarization for those multiple pixel rows and the desired light for the multiple pixel rows is reflected by a single polarization selective reflective surface. 
     
     
         12 . The display apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pixel row assembly comprises a polarization modifying element configured to modify the polarization of light for subpixels in an additive color display and the polarization selective reflective surface is configured to reflect light in a subpixel configuration.