Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for displaying visual information, comprising: at least one image-forming element; at least one light source for generating a light beam, which in cooperation with the image-forming element produces an illuminated image; optical means for processing the light beam and/or illuminated image; and a projection surface for receiving the illuminated image, wherein the image-forming element is flat and the projection surface forms at least a part of a cylinder wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viewing and an image pickup optical system for display devices, which can be used with high efficiency at a plurality of wavelengths and enables bright images to be viewed with satisfactory color reproducibility. The optical system comprises a first prism 3, a second prism 4 and a volume hologram element 6 disposed between them and cemented to them. The hologram element 6 comprises a first grating vector corresponding to at least a first wavelength and a second grating vector corresponding to a second wavelength shorter than the first wavelength.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a display which provides a 3-D perspective view. The angle of viewing in the perspective view is increased based upon the complexity of the intersection being displayed. Intersections of increased complexity are displayed at an increased viewing angle to facilitate understanding. A sky above a horizon on the display changes color based upon the time of day.

Abstract: A method for anticipation and tracking eye movement for head tracked projectors which divides a projection surface into spherical triangles and uses interpolating calibration values stored at each vertex of the triangle. A calibration map is used that contains information about the relationship between the user's head orientation and where they are looking with their eyes at each calibration point. The projection surface is divided into spherical triangles which are searched to find the triangle which contain the user's interpolated view point by performing a dot product test between the interpolated view point and the unit normal vectors inside the three planes that make up the sides of the spherical triangle extended back to the eye point. When a dot product test fails for any side of the triangle the pointer is followed to the adjacent triangle where the test starts over.

Abstract: A head-mounted display or other optical device which provides at least a first image to at least one eye of a user can be adjusted for changing the alignment of an image path with respect to a user's eye position. An alignment beam generator is mounted so as to move with the image path device so a user can use characteristics of the alignment beam to achieve a desired alignment of the image path. Preferably, the alignment beam is configured, such as by making it substantially narrow-beam, linear and/or non-dispersive, such that beam is substantially invisible to the user until it is within a preferred alignment range, so as to provide a binary or visible/invisible, indicator of alignment.

Abstract: An alignment detector is disclosed that determines whether a first element has been moved to a predetermined position relative to a second element. The detector includes an emitter that is secured within a first optical chamber. A first detector is secured within a second optical chamber. The first optical chamber is optically connected to the second optical chamber such that a signal emitted from the emitter is detectable by the detector. An occluding element at least partially obstructs the signal when the first element has been moved to the predetermined position.

Abstract: When the vehicle is traveling on a motorway, a display control module of a display controller determines that an obstacle is unlikely to be present, and restricts the display pattern of a sensed image sensed of an image sensing device to be displayed on a display device. Even when the vehicle is traveling on the motorway, if no stalled vehicle is detected, the display control module displays the sensed image without restricting it, thereby supporting drive operation of the driver.

Abstract: A viewing optical system for display apparatus allows observation of a bright displayed image favorably corrected for aberrations and is easy to assemble, resistant to impact such as vibration, lightweight and compact. An ocular optical member for leading an observation image formed by an observation image forming member to an exit pupil has a first prism member and a second prism member. The first prism member has a first entrance surface, a reflecting surface and a first exit surface disposed to face each other across a first prism medium. The second prism member has a second entrance surface and a second exit surface disposed to face each other across a second prism medium. The first and second prism members are cemented together with a holographic element interposed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. The reflecting surface has a positive power. The first exit surface and the second entrance surface are each formed from a plane or cylindrical surface.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: A wearable hypermedium information retrieval system for displaying predetermined digitized data, having a computer having an I/O port; a large capacity information storage and retrieval device interfaced with the I/O port adapted to receive a memory medium containing the predetermined digitized data, the storage and retrieval device being adapted to access the data on the memory medium and to provide the data to the I/O port means, the predetermined digitized data being further organized in a hypermedium format for hypermedium access and retrieval; a virtually hands-free command control device presenting no interference to ordinary use of the hands of the user to provide input commands from the user to the computer via the I/O port means; and a headset adapted to be worn by the user and a head mounted image display supported by the headset having a virtual image display having an eye-piece adapted to be positioned in front of one eve of the user and to display video display information from the computer.

Abstract: Imaging device is trained (e.g., panned, zoomed, focussed) on environmental navigation feature, such as street sign or house number, by operator input and computer control. Optional illumination in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other spectrum enhances (especially nighttime) imaging. Optional processing is applied to image to increase brightness, sharpness and/or size, and/or to counter positional or other distortion or error. Computer controlled motion tracking, affected by pattern recognition algorithms with optional artificial intelligence, and/or freeze frame function, and/or optical or digital image stabilization, are used to stabilize view from moving vehicle.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a scanning assembly that scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern. A light source emits light toward the scanning assembly such that the scanning assembly simultaneously scans more than one of the beams. The light source is positioned such that its beam illuminates a discrete region of the image field. The image may be formed from a set of“tiles” where a single sweep of the scanning assembly scans a plurality of beams simultaneously. Various approaches to controlling the intensity of the light to compensate for variations in light source response or optical system response, or to balance the response of a tiles system are described. Among these approaches are scaling data in a buffer, active multiplication, or control of a D/A converter.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator having a projection system for projecting a generated scene and symbology onto a common viewing screen. Tracking apparatus is provided for providing position and/or angular orientation signals representative of the eye of a person viewing the projected scene and symbology. An image generation system is included for generating the scene and symbology for the projection system, such scene and symbology being generated as a function of the position and/or angular orientation signals provided by the tracking apparatus. Such symbology is representative of symbology produced by a head-up display. The image generation system generates the scene and symbology with characteristics which simulate vignetting and/or occulting effect characteristics of the head-up display.

Abstract: A transportable multi-unit station for viewing 3D stereoscopic video with accompanying stereo sound, without any necessity of wearing equipment of any kind on the viewer's head, is implemented by a polar array of six identical modules arranged around a central support column mounted onto a large circular baseplate. Each module includes a partially enclosed a hood and is fitted with a pair of stereoscopic eyepieces, for example LCD type, and a pair of optimally located stereo loudspeakers. The stations are constrained individually to the column by rollers that allow only vertical movement. Each station is counter-balanced by a suspension cable, pulley and weight and is supported in place vertically by a unilateral brake mechanism arranged such that a user can easily shift the station upwardly at any time, for which a pair of handles is provided, and can also shift it downwardly by actuating a hand-operated brake release lever provided on at least one of the handles.

Abstract: There is provided an image projection apparatus which is small and in which a picture image can be stably observed while high resolution is maintained. The image projection apparatus is structured such that a beam of light from a light source passes through a condensing lens to be converged, and is brought into focus at a space filter. This focus is a secondary point light source, and a diverging spherical wave from this is converted into a parallel beam of light by an illuminating hologram optical element. This parallel beam of light illuminates a transmission space modulator (color liquid crystal display element), is converted into a converged beam of light by an object hologram optical element, and is brought into focus at a pupil. This point is a secondary light source image. This image becomes a Fourier transform image (diffraction image surface) of picture image information of the space modulator, and after passing through an eyeball lens, it forms a geometric image on a retina.

Abstract: A head up display system 10 comprises an image generator 11 supported and boresighted within a cockpit. The system 10 includes a housing 13 to support the generator 11 and a holographic combiner 14 which is upstandingly supported on top of the housing 13. In operation, the generator 11 forms an image at object surface 17 and a relay lens arrangement 16 receives, collimates and conveys the image along an optical pathway 19 and through an exit pupil 18. A prism 20 and a mirror 21 are arranged along the pathway 19 to fold the pathway 19 from a generally horizontal direction to a generally vertical direction towards the combiner 14.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: An arrangement for visualizing the illumination by at least one vehicle headlight of a zone situated in front of the vehicle as considered in the forward driving direction includes a camera mounted on the vehicle and operative for taking a succession of scenes of the environment of the vehicle including the aforementioned zone as the vehicle travels on a roadway in the forward driving direction. A visualization device including a monitor visually renders the scenes obtained from the camera, and a simulated rendition of the region illuminated by the headlight is presented in the succession of scenes appearing on the monitor. The light beam issued by the headlight is presented in a simplification as a light cone.

Abstract: An image pickup system that is small in scale, handy to maneuver, easy to operate and advanced in editing capabilities is disclosed. A commander device is used both as a remote commander and as a microphone in operating a video camera for image pickup. Wearing a headset on the head, a user looks at images appearing on a headset display to monitor and verify recorded images without recourse to a view finder of the video camera. Functions of the components making up the system are changed by operation of a mode switch attached to the video camera.

Abstract: In a display apparatus for a vehicle, when an auto mode is selected, an obstacle closest to the vehicle is determined on the basis of data that represents an output signal from an obstacle sensor, the determined obstacle and a radiation heat source (pixel group) included in an image sensed by an infrared light camera are associated with each other, and only an image corresponding to the obstacle closest to the vehicle is displayed on a display (FIG. 2, S5-S7).

Abstract: A novel means and apparatus for a new kind of photography and videography is described. In particular, a wearable camera with a viewfinder suitable for long-term use is introduced. The system, in effect, absorbs and quantifies rays of light and processes this quantigraphic information on a small wearable computer system, then the processed information is re-constituted into light rays emerging to reconstruct the virtual image of objects at nearly the same position in space, or at a coordinate transformed position, as viewed by the wearer of the apparatus. The wearer of the apparatus becomes, after adaptation, an entity that seeks, without conscious thought or effort, an optimal point of vantage and camera orientation. Because of the wearer's ability to constantly see the world through the apparatus, which may also function as an image enhancement device, the apparatus behaves as a true extension of the wearer's mind and body, giving rise to a new genre of documentary video.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a virtual map image slightly above the line of sight of a driver of a vehicle. The apparatus and method provide the virtual map image that is in a reflective relationship with the surrounding terrain thereby providing a map that is continuously in the same general azimuthal relationship to the driver as is the surrounding terrain. The virtual map may be scaled or distorted to provide information to a driver concerning distant objects and locations that would not ordinarily be available on heads-up map of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: A head guide with a display is attitudinally controlled for guiding the head of a passive viewer wherein the display is for viewing images that are emulative of images viewed by a cameraman with head mounted cameras whose head attitude is monitored for controlling the head guide in synchronism with the images gathered by the cameras. Additionally, the viewer's eyes may be induced to follow a sequence of visual fixations at the same time as the passive viewer's head is induced to execute attitudinal movements consistent therewith.

Abstract: An exemplary viewing apparatus comprises a visual display which transmits image data to a user and which is rotatably coupled, preferably in three dimensions, to a boom which supports the visual display. According to one embodiment, the operator inserts his head into the visual display and grasps the control grips with both hands to interact in three dimensions with a virtual world and with virtual objects in the virtual world via graphics displayed to each eye. The visual display may be equipped with sensing devices which allow for the sensing of both location and directional coordinates in three dimensions relative to the user and the virtual world and objects. The visual display preferably houses two LCD displays which direct separate images to the user's eyes so that the images are perceived stereoscopically. Because the visual display is mechanically coupled to the boom, the apparatus may be left unattended.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus for vehicles capable of sensing the peripheral situation of a vehicle, thereby automatically displaying the sensed peripheral situation while generating an alarm when the peripheral situation is determined as a hazardous situation. The invention also provides a method for controlling the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A wearable display device displays a sequence of words into the field of view of a person wearing the device in order to communicate information to the person, such as captions for hearing-impaired persons or translations of speech spoken by another person. Various embodiments of the device include an eyeglass frame configured to be worn by the person, a housing mounted to the eyeglass frame, including a circuit for receiving a signal containing the sequence of words, a display for displaying the sequence of words received by the circuit, a mirror mounted to reflect the displayed sequence of words downwardly through the housing, and a lens disposed in the path of the mirror to magnify the displayed sequence of words downwardly reflected by the mirror, and a partially reflective beamsplitter, mounted to the housing and extending downwardly over an eye of the person, for receiving the downwardly reflected sequence of words and projecting them into the field of view of the person.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a replacement heads-up display system for a vehicle flat-screen display system. The flat-screen display system including flat-screen display electronics which is connectable to a flat-screen display input connector for providing flat-screen display input signals therethrough. The flat-screen display electronics is sized and configured to be received by a flat-screen display bay formed in a vehicle control panel. The flat-screen display is attachable to a flat-screen display bezel which is attachable to the vehicle control panel. The replacement heads-up display system is provided with heads-up display electronics which is configured to mechanically and electrically interface with the flat-screen input connector. The heads-up display electronics is formed to receive and transmute the flat-screen input signals to heads-up display signals. The heads-up display electronics is sized and configured to be received by the flat-screen display bay.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a display for displaying image information, a display optical system having a plurality of reflection surfaces for guiding a light beam from the display to an eyeball of an observer, an image sensor, an image pickup optical system having a plurality of reflection surfaces for focusing a light beam from an external field to form an image on the image sensor, and an optical path separating surface for separating an optical path in the display optical system and an optical path in the image pickup optical system from each other in opposite directions. Thus, image information provided on the display can be viewed by the observer, and a scene in the external field can be taken in the image sensor.

Abstract: An image taken by a mobile camera is displayed on a head-mounted display provided with an acceleration sensor to detect movement of the observer's head, and the size of the image viewed by the observer wearing the display is varied according to the movement of the observer's head. For varying the image size, the camera is equipped with a zoom lens to change the size of shooting area, or alternatively, the display is equipped with a zoom lens as the eyepiece to enlarge or reduce the size of the displayed image. An image showing the appearance of the camera is displayed being superimposed on the image taken by the camera in order to facilitate the control of the camera by the observer.

Abstract: A portable video recording system allows an operator to record objects and events while at the same time keeping the person's hands free, and body relatively unencumbered for movement, while performing tasks. The video recording system has separate components that are attached at various locations on the operator to distribute weight of the video recording system over the operator. The video recording system is attached to an operator so that images within the operator's line of sight and within the operator's hearing range are automatically tracked and recorded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a virtual display (300) which provides a wide field-of-view that is lightweight and may be as thin as ordinary eyeglasses. One version of the invention includes a display (302), such as an LCD, a microlens array (304), and an aperture array (306) disposed between the LCD and the microlens array. The virtual display provides a pin-point of light for each pixel (306) of a display (302). Each pin-point of light in collaboration with an associated microlens (308) generates a directed ray of light. The ensemble of these rays forms a coherent image on a viewer's retina. Using high "f" number microlenses permits a very short focal length between the pin-points and the microlenses and thus provides a very thin virtual display. The aperture array may be provided by a plate disposed between the display and the lens, or it may be apertures configured on the back side (away from the viewer) of the microlenses or on the front (towards the viewer) of the display.

Abstract: A goggle type image display apparatus including left and right image display optical blocks, an optical block distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the left and right optical blocks, and a housing for containing the left and right optical blocks and the optical block distance adjusting mechanism. The left and right optical blocks and the optical block distance adjusting mechanism are removably mounted as a unit on a support frame within the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle display device including an information display unit for displaying prescribed information for a vehicle, an alarm need state detection unit for detecting a prescribed state where an alarm for the vehicle is needed, an alarm display unit for performing an alarm display on the basis of the detection of the alarm need state detection unit, an eye-fixed target detection unit for detecting an object on which a driver fixes his eyes as an eye-fixed target, a display cancel unit for canceling the eye-fixed target or its neighboring information display, and a delay unit for controlling the alarm display unit to perform the alarm display after a predetermined time lapse from the display cancellation of the display cancel unit.

Abstract: An image-projection display (10) includes a combiner (12) which is transparent to allow a view therethrough, and which is also at least partially reflective so that an image projected onto a surface of the combiner is reflected to a viewer. The display apparatus includes off-axis projection factors so that a rectilinear projected image would be perceived by the viewer as being distorted. A projector portion (20) of the display (10) includes an image source (36, 38) and a corrector element (46), as well as means (38, 46) for physically dislocating pixel elements of a rectilinear image so that the image as projected is de-linearized with compensatory distortion causing the image viewed by the viewer to be perceived with restored rectilinearity.

Abstract: A helmet with a helmet mounted display (HMD) is attitudinally controlled in a framework for moving the head of a passive viewer wherein the helmet mounted display is for viewing images that are emulative of images viewed by a cameraman with head mounted cameras whose head attitude is monitored for controlling the helmet. Additionally, the viewer's eyes may be induced to follow a sequence of visual fixations at the same time as the passive viewer's head is induced to execute attitudinal movements consistent therewith.

Abstract: A device for the substitution of an artificial image shown to an aircraft pilot by the corresponding real image includes a device for the simulation of human vision; criteria for the exploitation of the simulated image; compare to a device for comparing to compare the simulated image with the criteria of exploitation; a device for attenuating the artificial image, the artificial image being attenuated when the simulated image meets a given number of exploitation criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling devices remotely by embedding command information within video signals. The command information includes gestures or icons which are imbedded into the video signal and enable the user to interpret the command information by viewing the icon or gesture on a monitor or display device. By viewing the monitor or display device, the user can determine what command information is conveyed within the video signal. Further, imbedding the visually interpretable icon or gesture within the video signal facilitates transmitting the video signal having the command information imbedded therein using analog to digital conversions and reconversions and transmission through any of a various number of switching networks. The remote devices may by any of a number of electronically controlled electrical or mechanical devices. A device controller at the remote end receives, the decoded command information and generates the appropriate commands to operate the controlled device.

Abstract: A head-up display for an automobile utilizing a light transmission hologram optical device as well as a light reflection hologram optical device. The head-up display is installed in a large truck or in a special freight car, such as a container car or a ready mixed concrete car, so that the head-up display informs a driver of information of conditions of dead ground of the car. The head-up display includes a hologram optical projection system and a holographic combiner. The projection system for projecting the light has a light source, an LCD for partially transmitting and shielding the light of the light source, and a light transmission hologram optical device for projecting the light. The holographic combiner for displaying the image includes a light reflection hologram optical device.

Abstract: An installation arrangement for a head up display for an automotive vehicle has an installment panel which mounts a head up display unit. The installment panel is mounted in a vehicle body such that the display unit is suitably disposed on the driver's side. The head up display is reflected through an opening in a top side of the installment panel to be reflected on a reflective portion of a windshield panel. A wall portion of the installment panel has an access opening for allowing servicing of the display unit. The installation is arranged such that the access opening is covered by a meter and a meter lid for which the display is operative. Thus good appearance is maintained while servicing is simplified.

Abstract: A lightweight fiber optic television display useful for front and rear projection systems. An array of pixels such as a fiber optic (FO) ribbon has an input end which receives input light illuminating the pixels so as to create a first dimension of the display. The output end of the FO ribbon is moved relative to the observer to create a second dimension. The FO ribbon is clamped by a clamp near the output end and vibrated by a driver so that the output end of the ribbon is moved to obtain the second dimension. A lens is disposed between the vibrating end of the FO ribbon and a projection screen, and images the two dimensional image formed by the vibrating output end of the ribbon onto the screen. The projection screen may be either a rear or front projection screen. The FO ribbon may include a single row of fibers, or multiple rows to improve the image quality.

Abstract: Headset framework apparatus designed to be worn around the back of the head, and supported, in part, by the ears of the user, and, in part, by the nape, or back of, the user's neck. The framework and support means of the apparatus, is preferably, substantially U-shaped, and may be further shaped, such that it generally conforms to the user's neck and head. At least one integral, or detachable, speaker means is provided, which extends from the framework and support means, proximate to the ear of the user. A microphone may also be provided, if desired. Visual display means attached to the framework are also provided. Also, electronic component means, may be integral with, or removably attachable to, the nape supported member of the framework and support means, or may be located at other than the site of the headset framework apparatus, and operatively connected thereto.

Abstract: A lightweight fiber optic television subminiature display for helmet mounted display systems. A one dimensional array of pixels such as a fiber optic (FO) ribbon (64) has an input end (62) which receives input light illuminating the pixels so as to create a first dimension of the display. The output end (64B) of the FO ribbon is moved relative to the observer to create a second dimension. At the helmet (66), the FO ribbon is clamped by a clamp (68) and vibrated by a driver (70) so that the output end of the ribbon is moved to obtain the second dimension. The dimensions of the FO ribbon are selected to provide a natural resonant frequency equal to the television field rate, and the driver vibrates the section (64A) of the ribbon between the clamp and the ribbon output end at the ribbon resonant frequency. The clamp and driver can be very lightweight, thereby reducing the weight of the display elements mounted on the helmet.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is equipped with an infrared camera for viewing roadway conditions in terms of a thermal image, and outputs a video signal to a head up display (HUD) which projects the camera view to the operator via the windshield or other combiner to display a virtual image in the operator's field of view. The HUD is configured to magnify the image to the same size as the visual or real scene, and compensates for camera and windshield distortion. The virtual image is presented above or below the real scene or may be superimposed on the real scene. A video processor allows selection of only the warmest objects for display.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controllably supplying visual information for a viewer, an optical system including ocular glasses corresponding to right and left eyes of the driver (viewer) is provided so that images on a pair of liquid crystal televisions are introduced to the pair of ocular glasses to provide a three-dimensional solid image. Two television cameras are installed on a vehicle so as to be faced in the rearward direction with their bodies juxtaposed to each other. When the vehicle is reversed, a reflectivity of a half mirror is maximized so that a rearward scenery can be viewed via the ocular glasses in the form of a solid image. During the forwarding of the vehicle, a forward field of view is produced for a half mirror with a transmissivity of the half mirror maximized.

Abstract: The Display for Advanced Research and Training (DART), a wrap-around display system for presenting out-the-window visual imagery in a flight simulator, is substantially improved by adding a helmet mounted display of modest field-of-view that displays only an area-of-interest view (HMAoI) The HMAoI display displays a modest field-of-view, high resolution image, according to the head position of a simulator pilot as determined by a helmet mounted position indicator, that replaces the lower resolution view provided by the DART for the same image. The corresponding DART image is not displayed to prevent displaying a confusing view. The remaining DART display provides a peripheral view for a simulator pilot. The imagery provided through the HMAoI may be a two part image comprising a very high resolution central image surrounded by a lower, but still higher than the DART, resolution image.

Abstract: A helmet mounted display utilizing a pair of image sources mounted low on the helmet of a pilot and projecting an image across in front of the pilot's face to the opposite partly reflecting portions of the visor of the helmet to create an image for each of the pilot's eyes, which image is combined with the scene being viewed through the visor by the pilot.