Patent ID: 6414728
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: G02B,G02F,G03B,G06F,H04N

Abstract:
An image display system having direct and projection viewing modes, comprising;a light producing structure for producing light during said direct and projection viewing modes; an electro-optical light diffusing panel having a light scattering state in which light being transmitted therethrough is scattered in a diffusive manner, and a light transmission state in which light being transmitted therethrough is transmitted without substantial scattering; a spatial light intensity modulation structure for spatially modulating the intensity of light produced from said light producing means during said direct viewing mode and during said projection viewing mode; and a state selection structure for selecting the light scattering state of said electro-optical light-diffusing panel during said direct viewing mode, and the light transmission state of said electro-optical light-diffusing panel during said projection viewing mode; wherein during said direct viewing mode, light produced from said light producing structure is scattered by said electro-optical light diffusing panel and spatial intensity modulated by said spatial light intensity modulation structure to form a first image for direct viewing; and wherein during said projection viewing mode, light produced from said light producing structure is transmitted through said electro-optical light diffusing panel without substantial scattering and spatial intensity modulated by said spatial light intensity modulation structure to form a second image for projection onto a projection display surface for projection viewing.