Abstract: A stereo image display device includes an image display unit for displaying a parallactic image having a right-eye image and a left-eye image on a display plane, a parallactic image selecting unit for making only the right-eye image of the parallactic image reach the right eye of a viewer and making only the left-eye image of the parallactic image reach the left eye of the viewer to thereby make the viewer view a stereo image, an eye fatigue degree detecting unit for detecting the eye fatigue degree of the viewer, and an eye fatigue relaxation processing unit for carrying out eye fatigue relaxation processing for relaxing the eye fatigue of the viewer.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is presented in which the lens includes a progressive addition legion and a dynamic optic. The dynamic optic and the progressive addition region are in optical communication. The progressive addition region has an add power which is less than a user's neat viewing distance add power. The dynamic optic, when activated, provides the additional needed optical power for the wearer to see clearly at a near distance. This combination leads to the unexpected result that not only does the wearer have the ability to see clearly at intermediate and near distances, but the level of unwanted astigmatism, distortion, and vision compromise ale reduced significantly.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an electro-active lens and method for manufacturing the same that encapsulates liquid crystal using solid transparent optical material using an improved liquid crystal seal feature. The seal feature greatly reduces the visibility of the liquid crystal seal feature in an assembled electro-active lens. The seal feature is also structurally robust such that the electro-active lens can be processed to fit a spectacle frame without disturbing containment of the liquid crystal and without disrupting electrical connectivity to the lens used to alter the refractive index of the liquid crystal, thereby ensuring fabrication of a commercially viable electro-active lens.

Abstract: Adjustable variable transmissivity (AVT) eyeglasses for patients. In one embodiment, the eyeglasses include: (1) a frame having earpieces coupled thereto, (2) liquid crystal lenses coupled to the frame and configured to assume a transmissivity in response to a lens control signal, (3) a light sensor coupled to the frame and configured to sense light in a field of view and produce a sensor signal in response thereto, (4) a light plug coupled to the frame and configured to define a field of view and (5) an electronic circuit coupled to the frame and configured to employ the sensor signal to generate the lens control signal.

Abstract: Optical devices having a dynamic aperture and/or an apodization mask are provided. The aperture and/or mask may be provided by one or more electro-active elements, and may be used in an ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power.

Abstract: An optical device with at least one interconnection tab is provided. The optical device includes a pair of opposed substrates with a gap therebetween filled with an electro-optic material. Each substrate has a facing surface with a substrate electrode disposed thereon. A sealing material is disposed between the pair of opposed substrates to contain the electro-optic material. At least one interconnection tab is interposed between the substrates. The interconnection tab includes an insulator layer with opposed surfaces. A tab electrode layer is provided on each surface, wherein each tab electrode layer contacts a corresponding substrate electrode. And each tab electrode layer includes a portion that extends from the pair of opposed substrates on selected portions of the insulator layer.

Abstract: A goggle includes a lens assembly which comprises a front lens, a rear lens spaced apart from the front lens, and a liquid crystal device disposed on one of the lenses. The goggle includes a frame, which defines an aperture and a peripheral channel. The peripheral channel receives the front lens and the rear lens is positioned rearward of the channel so that the aperture receives the lens assembly. A power unit includes a battery and a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit is connected to a pair of prongs that are electrically connectable to the liquid crystal device for operation thereof. The power unit provides a master switch connected to the battery to control application of power to the drive circuit, and a state change switch to control application of power from the drive circuit, through the prongs, to the liquid crystal device.

Abstract: A method is provided for aligning, without user interaction, the two images of a binocular eyewear display (100) with respect to their vertical, horizontal, and rotational orientation, and with respect to magnification. The method for aligning images comprise generating a signal from a display modification system (108) based on stored values indicative of misalignment of the binocular eyewear display (100); and adjusting, in accordance with the signal, an image or images to be displayed by an optics system (106). The stored values may include values for a plurality of temperatures and humidity.

Abstract: A super-twist nematic (STN) liquid crystal (LC) light shutter with improved contrast performance, lower power requirements and enhanced off-axis performance. Compensator components may be disposed in front of and, in some cases, behind the liquid crystal cell. In some embodiments, a STN LC cell with a twist angle of 270 degrees may be used. In other embodiments, a STN LC cell with a twist angle ranging between just greater than 270 degrees and 285 degrees may be used. Also disclosed is a system incorporating the various disclosed STN LC shutters.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for head mounted stereoscopic 3-D display devices using the tunable focus liquid crystal micro-lens array eye to produce eye accommodation information. A liquid crystal display panel displays stereoscopic images and uses tunable liquid crystal micro-lens array to change the diopter of the display pixels to provide eye accommodation information. The head mounted display device includes a planar display screen, planar tunable liquid crystal micro-lens array and planar black mask. The display device may optionally include a bias lens. In an embodiment, the display device also includes a backlight and a prism sheet for displaying the images on the display screen. The display screen, tunable liquid crystal micro-lens array, black mask and optional backlight and prism may be flat or curved.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying or enhancing vision are described. In exemplary embodiments, neural or neuromuscular activity is analyzed to determine a focus or other quality of a visual input, and the focus or quality information used as a basis for controlling an adjustable lens system or optical system.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes: a pair of liquid crystal shutter glasses; a liquid crystal panel which alternately displays a left image and a right image formed in a predetermined scanning direction according to a predetermined scanning cycle; a glasses controller which outputs a control signal to open and close a left glass and a right glass of the liquid crystal shutter glasses synchronizing with the scanning cycle; a light source unit which supplies light to the liquid crystal panel; and a light source driver which supplies driving power to the light source unit to emit light to the liquid crystal panel in the scanning direction posterior to the left and right images.

Abstract: A composite lens assembly comprising an electro-active lens assembly, a first lens wafer, and a second lens wafer is provided. The electro-active lens assembly has an upper substrate layer with a planar upper surface and a lower substrate layer with a planar lower surface. The first lens wafer has a planar lower wafer surface adjacent and parallel to the planar upper surface of the upper substrate layer of the electro-active lens assembly. The second lens wafer has a planar upper, wafer surface adjacent and parallel to the planar lower surface of the lower substrate layer of the electro-active lens assembly.

Abstract: Device for transmitting light at variable intensity, the device including a front variable polarizer, polarizing incoming light at a first selected polarization level, in a first direction and a rear variable polarizer, optically coupled with the front variable polarizer, polarizing light exiting the front variable polarizer at a second selected polarization level, in a second direction, wherein the first selected polarization level and the second selected polarization level are substantially zero, when no substantial electric power is applied respectively, to the front variable polarizer and the rear variable polarizer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electro-active lens is disclosed. The lens is manufactured by providing a lens blank having a front and back surface, a thickness, and an index of refraction. An electro-active element is placed on one of the front or back surfaces of the lens blank. A covering surface is then formed over the surface of the lens blank containing the electro-active element. In some embodiments, the electro-active lens may then be surfaced to provide a desired fixed optical power and edged to fit within a spectacles frame.

Abstract: Described in the present application are multiple systems for high-performance compensated shutter lens designs, including compensators for compensating for performance problems that stem from real-world performance limitations in present shutter-glass designs.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, liquid-crystal eyeglass system is provided, designed for intermittent occlusion, while exercising the eyes of a user, through combined occlusion-and-exercising sessions, wherein the eyeglass system includes features to improve and monitor compliance. Specifically, features to improve compliance include an ordinary eyeglass design, wherein the electronic components are miniaturized and hidden, and a reflective coating on the exterior surfaces of the lenses, for identical exterior appearance, even when the two lenses operate at different opacity levels. In this manner, the liquid-crystal eyeglass system does not attract attention. Additionally, a fashionable design, and possibly also, a fashionable designer's brand name may be employed. In order to monitor compliance, the times, dates, and durations of the occlusion-and-exercising sessions that took place are recorded by the system.

Abstract: A goggle includes a lens assembly which comprises a front lens, a rear lens spaced apart from the front lens, and a liquid crystal device disposed on one of the lenses. The goggle includes a frame, which defines an aperture and a peripheral channel. The peripheral channel receives the front lens and the rear lens is positioned rearward of the channel so that the aperture receives the lens assembly. A power unit includes a battery and a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit is connected to a pair of prongs that are electrically connectable to the liquid crystal device for operation thereof. The power unit provides a master switch connected to the battery to control application of power to the drive circuit, and a state change switch to control application of power from the drive circuit, through the prongs, to the liquid crystal device.

Abstract: A composite lens assembly comprising an electro-active lens assembly, a first lens wafer, and a second lens wafer is provided. The electro-active lens assembly has an upper substrate layer with a planar upper surface and a lower substrate layer with a planar lower surface. The first lens wafer has a planar lower wafer surface adjacent and parallel to the planar upper surface of the upper substrate layer of the electro-active lens assembly. The second lens wafer has a planar upper wafer surface adjacent and parallel to the planar lower surface of the lower substrate layer of the electro-active lens assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing vision of a user includes a focal modulation device (22), which is adapted to focus light from objects in a field of view of the user onto the retina while alternating between at least first and second focal states that are characterized by different, respective first and second focal depths, at a rate in excess of a flicker-fusion frequency of the user.

Abstract: A light adjuster which is free from occurrence of cloudiness, and can maintain sufficient workability to improve the yield. In the light adjuster, transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b are provided on respective surfaces of a pair of PET films 103a and 103b, a liquid crystal layer 101 is interposed between the transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b, and the force required for stripping the liquid crystal layer 101 from the transparent electrically conductive films 102a and 102b is in a range of 15 to 50 g/cm.

Abstract: Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lens having a variable light transmission in response to variations in incident light intensity. The lens is useful for providing eye protection from variations in ambient light intensity. The present invention is directed to shade devices having lenses which have a variable degree of light transmission which automatically changes in response to the intensity of incident light or at the selection of a user of the eye glasses.

Abstract: A head-mounted display (HMD) is provided. The HMD includes: an image-forming unit that produces and emits an image; a half mirror disposed obliquely with respect to the image-forming unit for transmitting some part of the image entering from the image-forming unit and transmitting the remaining part; a pinhole located at a focal point of the image reflected from the half mirror for transmitting the incident image and focusing the transmitted image onto a dark space within the housing; a collimating lens disposed opposite the pinhole with respect to the half mirror for converging the incident divergent image and producing parallel light; a prism unit disposed opposite the collimating lens for guiding the path of the incident image; and a Fresnel lens disposed opposite a part of the prism unit for focusing the incident image onto an eyeball. A user wearing the HMD can view the image formed in the housing through the pinhole.

Abstract: Light (22) is projected from an image projector (20), in response to an image information signal (18) and is controllably refracted in response to a first control signal (26), for projecting refracted light (27) onto a screen (28). The screened light is for providing viewable images of varying size occupying all or part of the screen. The viewable images are refracted in response to a second control signal (64) for viewing the images of increasingly smaller size with correspondingly increasing magnification.

Abstract: The invention is a stereoscopic shutter system having a single liquid crystal (LC) cell. The system may have flexible substrates or non-flexible substrates. The system requires only two electrical conductors to shutter both eyes. The system uses twisted nematic liquid crystal, ferro-electric liquid crystal, pi-cell technology, or other similar shuttering technologies. The system includes only one LC cell, a single large laminated linearly polarizing filter P1, and two smaller linear polarizing analyzers oriented in the P1 and P2 states. The shutters may be bent into a one-dimensional curved shape about the vertical or horizontal axis.

Abstract: A cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) color filter layer for reflective LCD device includes an additional blue CLC color filter in the red and/or green CLC color filter to increase a color temperature. Since the additional blue CLC color filter is formed using ultraviolet light when forming the blue CLC color filter, additional manufacturing processes for the additional blue CLC color filter are not required. Furthermore, since the color temperature of output light increases according to the CLC color filter layer of the present invention, the high resolution is obtained in image display. Alternatively, the color temperature can be adjustable by way of forming an additional red and/or green CLC color filter in the blue CLC color filter.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures having total-reflection and semi-transparent and totally-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: The glare protection device for welding applications contains an active electro-optical filter element (2) with an electronic control circuit (3). The active filter element (2) absorbs the UV-radiation up to 380 nm. An IR-plastic filter (10) is completely joined with the active electro-optical filter element by a compact adhesive layer (11) and together with it forms a single optical and mechanical unit (1) having a high transmittance in the visual region of the spectrum. The IR-plastic filter (10) contains a dye that absorbs the infrared radiation in a wavelength range of 780-1400 nm. With this, a robust, cheap and safe in operation glare protection device for various applications is created.

Abstract: Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

Abstract: A dynamic optical filtration system and method effectively blocks bright light sources without impairing view of the remainder of the scene. A sensor measures light intensity and position so that selected cells of a shading matrix may interrupt the view of the bright light source by a receptor. A beamsplitter may be used so that the sensor may be located away from the receptor. The shading matrix may also be replaced by a digital micromirror device, which selectively sends image data to the receptor.

Abstract: A head-mounted display comprises monocular or binocular display chambers. Each display chamber is equipped with an optical engine that displays images. The mechanism of the optical engine is as follows: cast rays from a light source onto an LCoS device through a first polarizer, and an image is formed with rays, which reflect off the bottom of the LCoS device. The reflective rays penetrate the first polarizer and a film-coated beam splitter. With a concave mirror, the image is magnified and projected onto the surface of the beam splitter. Finally, the magnified image is formed in a viewer's eyeballs by means of the beam splitter.

Abstract: The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, provides for a light modulating cell assembly especially suitable as eyewear including a detector and a light blocking arrangement at least partially surrounding a detector for allowing only light from a limited range of ambient directions to directly reaching said detector. In accordance with another embodiment there is a light transmissivity control arrangement including auxiliary means for controlling the state of said light modulating medium.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectronic image projection device. One or more nitride dams are formed upon the substrate of the device surrounding the active pixel area. The nitride dams help to contain the liquid crystal and confine the epoxy sealant. In alternative embodiments one or more nitride pillars are formed on the substrate to support the cover glass and maintain the distance between the cover glass and the active pixel area of the substrate. The nitride dams and pillars may be formed on the substrate through an ion implantation method in which HDP nitride is implanted with, for example, silicon ions. The ion implantation causes those areas of the nitride that are implanted with ions to etch more slowly than those areas that are not implanted with ions. This etch rate differential allows formation of the nitride formations with a non-contact single mask etching process.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for providing a simulated night vision goggle display, which apparatus comprises night vision goggle means (4), reflective micro-display means (6) for illuminating the night vision goggle means (4), tracker means (8) for tracking the attitude of the night vision goggle means (4), and image generator means (10) for providing infrared images to the night vision goggle means (4), the image generator means being such that it has a first channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a high level of illumination, a second channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a medium level of illumination, and a third channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a low level of illumination.

Abstract: An electro-active spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens includes a first lens optic. The disclosed lens also includes a first electro-active zone positioned in a cooperative relationship with the first lens optic. In certain embodiments, the electro-active lens includes a range finder positioned in a cooperative relationship with the electro-active lens.

Abstract: Electro-active multi-focal spectacles are disclosed. The spectacles have a stack of at least two electro-active regions. The electro-active regions produce a plurality of viewing correction zones. The spectacles also have a controller for independently activating the electro-active regions to produce viewing correction zones. An electro-active multi-focal spectacle having a blending zone is also disclosed. The blending zone provides a transition of optical power between viewing correction zones.

Abstract: A device (100, 140, 150) for differentially absorbing light, depending on the state of linear polarization of the light, is disclosed. This polarizing effect is induced and controllable by the level of ambient light impinging on the device. The device (100, 140) may be used as an anti-glare vision protection device which selectively absorbs specularly reflected sunlight in brightly lit environments while permitting all light to pass in dimly lit environments. The device (100) includes a carrying medium which may be a film (142) or opposed substrates (112) that are sealed. A film or the opposed substrates carry a mixture (120) of fluid material (124) and photochromic dyestuffs (122), wherein the photochromic material is activated upon the detection of ultraviolet light so as to absorb some of the light and wherein the energization of the photochromic material effects the material so as to simultaneously selectively absorb the specularly reflected sunlight.

Abstract: A composite display apparatus keeps both optical density of display images formed by a display means and shutter speed of cameras such as a CCD in an optimum state relative to the external world light (see-through light), even in environments where the quantity of see-through light varies widely. The composite display apparatus includes a display optical system for guiding a light beam from a display means to the eyeballs of an observer; an image-pickup optical system for allowing an external light beam to form an image on an image-pickup means; and an optical path separating means provided in an optical path for allowing an ocular optical axis of the light beam of the display optical system entering the eyeballs of the observer, or an imaginary ocular optical axis which is an extension of the ocular optical axis, and an external world optical axis of the light beam entering the image-pickup optical system to substantially coincide.

Abstract: A device for the local attenuation of the light intensity in the field of vision of a light-sensitive monitoring and/or recording device (CCD) is described, which is suitable in particular as a glare protection device for video cameras in videophones or correspondingly equipped PCs. The device includes a first objective (L1) and a high resolution ferroelectric liquid crystal modulator (PC, LC) arranged between two polarizers (P1, P2), the liquid crystal modulator having a photo-conductive layer (PC) and a downstream liquid crystal film (LC) made up of helical smectic liquid crystals which is in contact with this layer. The photo-conductive layer (PC) is essentially arranged in the image plane of the first objective (L1), the image plane being imaged onto the monitoring and/or recording device by a second objective (L2). As this occurs, bright light sources or backgrounds are locally suppressed without resulting in a glare or bloom of the image.

Abstract: A compact, head-mountable display device for transmitting an image to a user's eye is provided. The display device includes a support fixture comprising an elongated member configured to allow passage of ambient light across a direction of elongation of the elongated member to a user's eye. A display, such as an LCD, is supported by the support and is operative to provide an image. An eyepiece assembly is supported by the support fixture in proximity to the display to receive the image from the display and to direct the image to the user's eye. The support fixture also defines an illumination path along the elongated member, and the display is located to receive illumination light on the illumination path from a light source.

Abstract: An information processing device and its system is provided in which a display unit (head mount display) is used and a user carries out an information processing operation while seeing a virtual display screen. Polycrystalline silicon using CGS is used for a semiconductor of a display element of a liquid crystal panel used in the head mount display, so that high speed driving is made possible. The display unit in which frame inversion made in a writing period (60 to 180 Hz) is connected to a control unit and an input operating unit, so that the user can carry out the information processing operation.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a goggle type display device for preventing a misalignment between a display element and an optical element. The present invention provides a goggle type display device having a display unit and an optical element wherein the display unit is integral with the optical element.

Abstract: A head mounted virtual environment display with high visual resolution and a full field of view is disclosed. The display uses an optical system in which the video displays and corresponding lenses are positioned tangent to hemispheres with centers located at the centers of rotation of a user's eyes. Centering the optical system on the center of rotation of the eye allows both a full field of view and high fidelity visual resolution, without compromising visual resolution. A multi-panel video wall design for the video displays allows each lens facet to image a miniature flat panel display at optical infinity. The flat panel displays are centered on the optical axes of the lens facets. A parallel graphics architecture uses data from high resolution and accuracy head trackers and built-in eye trackers to generate high detail 3D models at high frame rates with minimal perceptible lag.

Abstract: This image observation apparatus comprises: a head-mounted image display unit for displaying images, derived from video signals supplied to itself, on image display units corresponding to observer's left and right eyes respectively; a computer having specifications suitable to production of images displayed on the head-mounted image display unit and including an output part for outputting video signals expressing the images; and a controller being inserted in a signal transmission line between the computer and head-mounted image display unit and performing operator's optional operation regarding supply aspects of the video signals from the computer to the head-mounted image display unit.

Abstract: In a pair of spectacles using liquid crystal lenses, an electrical circuit, for controlling the optical transmission of the liquid crystal lenses, controls the amplitude and/or duty cycle of the voltage driving the lens so as to operate the liquid crystal lens in the transition region, between maximum and minimum optical densities.

Abstract: Presented are electronically controlled optical shutter spectacles for achieving biofeedback between the operation of the optical shutter spectacles when worn and the physiological rate and timing of human visual processing of the wearer of the spectacles to provide further enhanced perception of fast-moving objects or surroundings and to train and condition the human physiology to retain enhanced motion perception capability for an indeterminate time following removal of the spectacles.

Abstract: A dual-mode display system, for applications such as viewfinders/displays in a digital still camera or video camcorder, may include a single spatial light modulator microdisplay that can be used both to provide a virtual image at a viewing location, such as near-eye viewing port, and to provide a real image that can be projected onto a surface such as a projection screen. The projection screen may be on an exterior surface of the camera, it may be extendable from the device such as with a camcorder, or it may be an external screen such as a on a wall, desk, piece of paper, or a traditional projection screen. The optical paths for the near-eye and projection modes may be entirely different, with only the SLM in common, or they may be largely or entirely common paths. Different light sources may be used for the two modes, or it may be the same light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head-mounted display provided with an image display device and an optical system. The optical system comprises a first &lgr;/4 plate, a semi-transmissive mirror, a second &lgr;/4 plate and a polarization-dependent mirror, disposed in the described order from the incident side, for projecting an image to be formed by the image display device on a user's retina.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for forming color images on radiation absorptive surfaces, having improved brightness and color characteristics. The apparatus can be realized in various forms, including Xeroxgraphic and ink-jet printing equipment. In the illustrative embodiments, color images composed from polarization-encoded perspective images are produced for use in stereoscopic viewing full-color 3-D objects represented therein using a pair of electrically-passive circularly-polarizing eyeglasses. Super-white and additive-primary coloring media is used to form the polarization-encoded composite images so that full depth of color (e.g. thousands of color values) is imparted to the 3-D objects graphically represented therein. The coloring media utilized embodies both broadband and spectrally-tuned CLC-based microflakes having symmetrical reflection characteristics which provide for improved brightness and color uniformity characteristics.