Abstract: Certain types of holographic recording materials can be used to updateably record holographic stereograms formed when fringe patterns are generated through interference of an object laser beam containing image information with a reference laser beam. In this manner, calculation of fringe patterns is avoided, and instead perspective information is computed for a scene or object to be displayed, the information is downloaded to display hardware such as a spatial light modulator, and fringe patterns are subsequently generated through interference of an object laser beam containing this information with a reference laser beam in the classic hologram recording scheme. Previously recorded holographic stereograms or component hogels are updated by erasing the stereograms or component hogels and recording updated stereograms or component hogels, or by recording updated stereograms or component hogels in a separate portion of the holographic recording material.

Abstract: A holographic recording material coupled to a plastic substrate can be exposed to an interference pattern formed by at least one coherent light source, and subsequently processed, thereby eliminating the need to transfer the holographic recording material from a glass substrate to the plastic substrate. Additionally, by performing a post-exposure heating step in a liquid bath, the formation of unwanted bubbles between the plastic substrate and the holographic recording material is at least in part prevented.

Abstract: Pre-sensitization techniques can be used in conjunction with holographic recording materials to allow high quality holographic stereograms to be recorded in those holographic recording materials using pulsed lasers. Additional hologram production system hardware and software designs for use with pulsed lasers are disclosed.

Abstract: Large format, highly selective display screens can be formed from a plurality of holographic optical elements. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, systems and methods are described to provide a holographic screen for display of static and/or dynamic projected conventional two-dimensional images, two-dimensional stereograms, and holographic stereograms. One aspect of the present invention includes presenting live-image three-dimensional displays using an array of two-dimensional data projectors. Another aspect includes projecting and enlarging static or dynamic source three-dimensional images (real objects, holograms, or other autostereoscopic images).

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and devices for creating and printing variable size and variable resolution holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements using computer rendered images of three-dimensional computer models or using computer processed images. The present invention is an apparatus and method for printing one-step, full-color, full-parallax holographic stereograms utilizing a reference beam-steering system that allows a reference beam to expose a holographic recording material from different angles. More particularly, a coherent beam is split into object and reference beams. The object beam passes through an object beam unit in which a rendered image is displayed, while the reference beam passes through the reference beam-steering system. The object and reference beams interfere with each other at an elemental hologram on a holographic recording material.

Abstract: The current invention comprises the recording of full parallax, one-step, full color holographic stereograms so as to properly display the resultant imagery when the hologram is mounted on a curved substrate after recording. It also comprises mounting the hologram on a substrate that can be curved in one or two dimensions, thereby producing any arbitrary shape. The hologram is scalable, making it possible to create curved holograms of unlimited size. The hologram can be generated for application to one of a variety of curved substrates, including hemi-cylindrical substrates with opaque backing to allow up to 180 degrees of horizontal view zone, and full cylinders with transparent backing to allow viewing through 360 degrees horizontally. It also includes adaptation to conical, spherical, and other curved geometric and irregular topographies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a machine for false twist texturing a plurality of synthetic filament yarns and which includes a plurality of side by side processing stations. The plurality of processing stations are divided into a plurality of sections, with each section comprising a plurality of processing stations. The processing stations of each of the sections are monitored and controlled independently of the processing stations of adjacent sections, so that the processing of the yarns in each section is independent of the processing of the yarns in adjacent sections.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to replace complex fast cylindrical lens (FCL) systems used for producing one-step horizontal parallax only holographic sterograms. A substantially monochromatic fast cylindrical lens is combined with chromatic corrector optics and image scaling performed in conjunction with spatial light modulators (SLMs) in order to avoid the use of an anchromatic FCL.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting the polarization of one or more recording laser beams can correct (in whole or in part) for the changes in the polarization of the recording laser beam(s) caused by changes in the dominant polarization direction within the film substrates used for recording holograms. Using information about the dominant polarization direction of portions of holographic film substrate, a polarization adjusting device can be used to adjust the polarization of the recording laser beam(s) to compensate for the effects that changes in the dominant polarization direction of the holographic film substrate have on the recording laser beam(s) and thus the recorded hologram.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a machine for false twist texturing a plurality of synthetic filament yarns and which includes a plurality of side by side processing stations. The plurality of processing stations are divided into a plurality of sections, with each section comprising a plurality of processing stations. The processing stations of each of the sections are monitored and controlled independently of the processing stations of adjacent sections, so that the processing of the yarns in each section is independent of the processing of the yarns in adjacent sections.

Abstract: A system for illumination of a hologram includes a deflection mirror to direct light from a moving light source to illuminate the hologram, and a heliostat for tracking the moving light source and positioning the deflection mirror to direct light therefrom to illuminate the hologram. Such as system is optimized for illuminating outdoor holographic displays while still providing a desirable light source and illumination angle, and doing so efficiently and at low cost.

Abstract: A system and method to divert a reference beam from intersecting with a diffuser disposed adjacent to a holographic recording material for recording a hologram. The invention includes a thin holographic deflector designed to deflect the reference beam away from the diffuser and to prevent the reference beam's passage and impingement onto the diffuser surface. The holographic deflector is designed to deflect only light impinging on it from the particular angle that the reference beam strikes the holographic recording material, and to transmit nearly all other light striking it. The deflector eliminates artifacts from the resulting hologram introduced by the reflected reference beam, while allowing the diffuser to be placed very close to the holographic material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and devices for creating and printing variable size and variable resolution holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements using computer rendered images of three-dimensional computer models or using computer processed images. The present invention is an apparatus and method for printing one-step, full-color, full-parallax holographic stereograms utilizing a reference beam-steering system that allows a reference beam to expose a holographic recording material from different angles. More particularly, a coherent beam is split into object and reference beams. The object beam passes through an object beam unit in which a rendered image is displayed, while the reference beam passes through the reference beam-steering system. The object and reference beams interfere with each other at an elemental hologram on a holographic recording material.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a composite display that includes at least one static three dimensional holographic image, and dynamic and/or static two dimensional images. An object hologram includes a three-dimensional object image. A silhouette hologram includes a silhouette image of the object, and can include a diffusion screen. The object hologram overlays the silhouette hologram with the object image substantially aligned with the silhouette image. Static and/or dynamic images can be projected on the diffusion screen or alternative background, forming a composite image that includes dynamic and/or static two-dimensional imagery combined with the static three-dimensional object image. The silhouette image thus provides a background for viewing the object image and occludes the two-dimensional imagery from the view of the object image.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for displaying large, continuous, autostereoscopic images. The present invention overcomes the size limitation of typical autostereoscopic images by recording a continuous, autostereoscopic image onto separate sheets or segments of recording material, mounting the recorded segments to separate tiles, and then displaying the tiles to display a continuous, autostereoscopic image. Although the autostereoscopic image display of the present invention is comprised of separate segments, the present invention offers viewers of the display a unitary visual impression of a large, autostereoscopic image without apparent discontinuities.In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a system for easily displaying segments of recording material to form a large, continuous, autostereoscopic image. The display can be disassembled into components that are light, compact, easily transportable, and easily storable.