Abstract: An indication display unit for vehicles according to the present invention includes a reflecting member having a reflecting surface directed to a driver's seat, and an indicating device having an indicating surface directed to the reflecting surface of the reflecting member. Information concerning driving operation of the vehicle indicated on the indicating surface is projected directly or indirectly through a reflecting mirror to the reflecting member so as to be visually observed by the driver by way of the reflection thereon. The invention also includes a drive mechanism for shifting the position of the reflecting member in upward or downward to adjust the height thereof and a solenoid for pivotally shifting the reflecting mirror, when it is used, in response to the movement of the reflecting member for reflecting the information in the most effective angle toward the driver in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A head-up display having an image source for producing imaging illumination, an optical combiner for partially reflecting the imaging illumination to produce a virtual image of the image source that is viewable by the operator of the vehicle, and a polarizer which can be controllably interposed between the image source and the optical combiner for nighttime use. The polarizer tends to block the illumination that otherwise would produce objectionable ghost images.

Abstract: A heads-up display system for a road vehicle, comprising sensors for detecting the motion related parameters of the vehicle, computer for predicting the motion of the vehicle, and a heads-up display for displaying information within the view of the driver of the vehicle. The computer converts the predicted motion of the vehicle into an image display on the heads-up display so as to permit the driver to see the image display in a certain relationship with his view as he looks ahead of the vehicle. Thus, the driver can gain useful information on the motion of the vehicle such as limit turning trajectories and braking distances so that he can operate the vehicle more easily and more sensibly than was possible heretofore. The heads-up display preferably comprises a projector for projecting an image display on the windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: Multiple pupils (16, 18) are formed in a projection display by employment of a field lens (14) which has at least first and second interleaved Fresnel lens segments. The first set of segments has the equivalent surface of a first lens (34) and the second set of interleaved segments has the equivalent curvature of a second lens (36), with the segments being shaped to produce two exit pupils. More exit pupils, up to four without loss of resolution, can be provided by the interleaving of further lens shapes. A separate lens face (30) controls the other dimension of the exit pupils. The additional lens face may be a Fresnel lens on the opposite side of the same lens element.

Abstract: To display various vehicle images or TV programs to a driver taking a front seat or to a passenger taking a rear seat by a head-up display apparatus for an automotive vehicle, the head-up display apparatus comprises a driver half mirror disposed on the dashboard, a passenger mirror disposed on a console box disposed between two front seats, and a projector unit having a CRT and a pivotal reflecting mirror driven by a motor from a first driver position to a second passenger position or vice versa in response to control signals from a control circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a video projection system (18) suitable for mounting in the ceiling of the passenger compartment of an aircraft for displaying video images for passengers embarked on the aircraft. The video projection system includes a video projector (19) positioned to project video images through an opening in the ceiling, a light deflector (21) positioned to deflect the light from the video projector along a different path, and a projection screen (23) positioned to receive and display the deflected video images. Various embodiments are disclosed wherein the light deflector and/or projection screen are mounted for movement from stowed to deployed positions, the deflector and/or projection screen being movable in a controlled manner that does not pose a significant safety hazard.

Abstract: An image reception system is provided with an inflatable viewing surface. A video projection system is arranged within the volume defining the viewing surface to form images on interior concave surfaces. The projected image is viewed on the outside convex surface. The concave image reception surfaces permit large area projection surfaces with a projection system having a short focal length.

Abstract: A small fraction of the area shown in an ultraminiature color transparency of a standard navigating chart is projected onto a viewing screen, and the transparency is moved by a precision step-driven transport mechanism to hold the present position of the ship (or other craft) at crosshairs on the screen. The transport mechanism is controlled by a digital electronic computer that receives data from a human operator, from speed and direction sensors carried in the craft, and/or from radio navigational-aid (such as Loran) signals. The computer includes separate dedicated microprocessors for managing the transport mechanism and the receipt of sensor or radio signals, and a master general-purpose processor for performing calculations and coordinating the system functions with operator instructions.