Abstract: A distributed rendering and display system comprises a host device for rendering z-buffers from a scene, a set of pipeline rendering devices, and a set of display devices. Each pipeline rendering device is remotely connected to the host device. Each display device is remotely connected to a pipeline rendering device in the set of pipeline rendering devices. Each rendered z-buffer from the scene is associated with a display view perspective of the scene. Each display device in the set of display devices provides display view perspectives of the scene to one or more users.

Abstract: A rendering system comprises a host device disposed in communication with one or more rendering pipelines. Each rendering pipeline comprises a rendering device and a display device. Each display device enables one or more users to view a scene rendered on the host device. Each rendering pipeline provides the user with independent control of their perspective of the scene. The host device receives a CG camera definition from each rendering pipeline and uses it to perform geometry culling and creates a z-buffer for each rendering pipeline. For each rendering pipeline, the rendering device receives a z-buffer and renders a frame buffer for the display device. This architecture reduces the rendering power requirements of the rendering device for each rendering pipeline as compared to performing all rendering on the rendering device, and is particularly useful when multiple users are viewing a complex scene such as a high fidelity simulation environment.

Abstract: An interactive display includes a display capable of generating displayed images, and first and second eyepiece assemblies each including one or more variable-focus lenses. The eyepiece assemblies, variable-focus lenses and display allow the user to perceive a virtual 3D image while providing visual depth cues that cause the eyes to accommodate at a specified fixation distance. The fixation distance can be adjusted by changing the focal power of the variable-focus lenses.

Abstract: A rendering system comprises a host device disposed in communication with one or more rendering pipelines. Each rendering pipeline comprises a rendering device and a display device. Each display device enables one or more users to view a scene rendered on the host device. Each rendering pipeline provides the user with independent control of their perspective of the scene. The host device receives a CG camera definition from each rendering pipeline and uses it to perform geometry culling and creates a z-buffer for each rendering pipeline. For each rendering pipeline, the rendering device receives a z-buffer and renders a frame buffer for the display device. This architecture reduces the rendering power requirements of the rendering device for each rendering pipeline as compared to performing all rendering on the rendering device, and is particularly useful when multiple users are viewing a complex scene such as a high fidelity simulation environment.

Abstract: An interactive display includes a display capable of generating displayed images, and first and second eyepiece assemblies each including one or more variable-focus lenses. The eyepiece assemblies, variable-focus lenses and display allow the user to perceive a virtual 3D image while providing visual depth cues that cause the eyes to accommodate at a specified fixation distance. The fixation distance can be adjusted by changing the focal power of the variable-focus lenses.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the rim and the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the rim and the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the rim and the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim may be disposed outside the reservoir and configured to contact and provide additional deformation to one or more of the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: A fluidic stabilized focus device comprises a fluidic lens core and a first yoke. The fluidic lens core includes a support ring, a first surface that includes an elastic membrane, a second surface, and a volume of fluid enclosed within the boundaries of the first and second surfaces and support ring. The first yoke has an annular portion configured to engage the first surface. Engagement of the first surface by the first yoke results in a displacement of the fluid and a change in optical properties of the device.

Abstract: A fluidic viewfinder device may include a support member having an opening forming an aperture and a fluidic lens disposed at least partially in communication with the aperture and support member. The fluidic lens may comprise a first optical surface and a second optical surface, one or more of which includes an elastic membrane. A fluid may be enclosed in at least a portion of the fluidic lens. The optical properties of the fluidic lens may be changed by displacement of the fluid, e.g., due to movement of a slide member or a rotating yoke.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device may include a first optical surface that includes an deformable material and a second optical surface that includes a rigid material. An optical fluid disposed between first and second optical surfaces and an actuator is disposed in communication with first optical surface. Activation of actuator results in a deformation of first optical surface and displacement of optical fluid. The deformation and displacement result in a change in an optical property of the device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A fluidic lens device capable of providing variable focal power with reduced optical aberration is disclosed. The device includes a lens member and an actuator. The lens member comprises one or more elastic optical surfaces, a compliant support member in communication with the optical surfaces, and a fluid-filled chamber. The optical surfaces have a high value of elastic modulus, reducing coma and other aberrations associated gravity and acceleration. The support member may provide a compliant fluid seal and allow the edges of the optical surfaces to pivot, reducing spherical and other aberrations. One or more piezoelectric ring-bender actuators may provide the force required for compressing the support ring and deflecting the optical surfaces. The actuators may be configured to provide the fluidic lens device with reduced sensitivity to changes in temperature.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim may be disposed outside the reservoir and configured to contact and provide additional deformation to one or more of the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a transparent window member, a transparent distensible membrane, an inner ring between the window member and membrane, and a top ring disposed such that the membrane is between the piston ring and the inner ring. A layer of liquid may be stored between the window member, the inner ring and the membrane. The top ring may be adapted to apply a liquid displacement force to the membrane in a direction perpendicular to a plane of an aperture of the inner ring to cause a change in a radius of curvature of the membrane. The membrane may be pre-tensioned prior to assembly with the other components.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens sensor system for use with UAVs is disclosed. A variable focal length lens camera for use with cell phones. One or more static optical components and one or more are within a housing. The variable focal length lens includes a sidewall and first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture. One or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic. One or more lens fluids are disposed between the aperture and sidewall. An actuator is configured to apply a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens. The applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens. The combination of static optical components and variable focal length lenses are capable of providing variable zoom and focus. An image sensor is optically coupled to the variable focal length lens for capturing images. Control electronics are configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor.