Abstract: A device for forming and displaying stereoscopic images is provided with a non-planar upper substrate having a series of alternating raised and depressed regions, a non-planar lower substrate having a shape corresponding to the upper substrate, the upper and lower substrates being arranged to form a plurality of shaped cavities therebetween. A light control material is provided within the shaped cavities and has a light transmissive property which is controllable in response to an electrical potential applied thereto. Control means are provided for controlling the light transmissive property of the light control material to selectively direct light from a light source through the light control material and upper substrate at predetermined viewing angles to thereby form and displace stereoscopic images.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing real time autostereoscopic displays using holographic diffusers are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a diffuse holographic optical element is fabricated whereby an image projected onto the diffused holographic optical element will be viewable only over a limited horizontal extent of less than the separation of a typical viewer's eyes. Then the holographic optical element is used as a projection screen for a plurality of projectors spatially positioned with respect to each other so that the horizontal position within which the image of each projector is viewable is substantially contiguous with the horizontal position of viewability of the respective adjacent projector whereby the autostereoscopic effect is achieved. Various embodiments, including the transmission mode and reflection mode holographic optical elements, are disclosed.