Abstract: An aerial projection system and method having a housing for positioning low cost optical elements capable of generating a three dimensional aerial images at video rates without reflected artifacts or visible display of the display screen. A method for generating the display images is based on a set of rules that eliminate boundary transgressions and maximizes the illusion of a three dimensional aerial image. An optional second display is a transparent imaging panel that acts selectively as a light valve, as a display platform for special effects or for providing the appearance of linear motion towards or away from the observer. The aerial projection system includes a plastic spherical mirror having a plastic part of at least the following descriptions: mirror surface of sufficient sphericity supported by wall structures, of a plastic material formulation, excellent optical grade finish, has a reflective metal coating and a protective overcoat.

Abstract: A system and method for selling and/or dispensing consumer products from a vending or transactional-based machine is disclosed. The vending or transactional-based machine comprises an aerial display device that displays an aerial image designed to attract the attention of potential consumers and sell advertising, special promotions or certain products. Once a consumer begins to interact with the vending machine, demographic data is collected or correlated with the product purchased or dispensed. The consumer can initiate and conclude a purchase by merely pointing at the desired product. A mechanism is provided that accepts payment by currency, credit card or electronically.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing aerial images is disclosed employing a combination of plastic spherical mirrors, beamsplitter polarizing filters, and light sources. An object to be displayed is illuminated, and its image is partially reflected by the beamsplitter to a focusing mirror and reflected to an aerial position. A polarizer prevents ambient lights or images from degrading or interfering with the aerial images. A clock radio, a personal television display counter, as well as animated mannequin versions are disclosed.

Abstract: An aerial display system comprising inexpensive optical elements and a highly brightened LCD display or similar video image display types provides floating images in an expensive enclosure. In the aerial display system, either an anti-reflective acrylic plastic layer or a circular polarizer is disposed proximate and parallel to a beam splitter so that the focal point of the floating image is proximate to the plastic layer or polarizer. This image position yields both a wider filed of view and wider perceived field of view. The aerial projection system includes a plastic spherical mirror of low cost, which includes a plastic part of at least the following descriptions: mirror surface supported by wall structures of sufficient sphericity, of a plastic material formulation, having excellent optical grade finish, a reflective metal coating, and a protective overcoat.

Abstract: A device using a low-cost plastic curved mirror and several combinations of methods for reducing aberrations to improve a real image projection system is provided, so as to reduce ghost and astigmatism phenomenon. The real image projection system includes a curved mirror having two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on a convex surface and the other on a concave surface. The real image projection system may include at least a curved reflector positioned in a tilted configuration, and an optical axis of the reflector does not coincide with a viewing axis. A beampath between a target source and the curved reflector neither passes through a beamsplitter nor is reflected thereby. The real image projection system may further include a circular polarizer for circularly polarizing a light beam in a primary light path between the mirror and the real image, eliminating ghost image caused by outside light sources.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plastic spherical mirror is disclosed. First, a plastic part with a mirror surface supported by a plurality of wall structures is designed. Next, a metal mold including mold for forming the plastic part according the above design specification is provided. A mirror surface of the metal mold is polished to an A1 optical grade finish. The metal mold is heated and chilled to form a curvature of the mirror surface of the metal mold. A plastic material formulation is selected and heated until a melt thereof is obtained. The melt is injected into the mold of the metal mold and the injected melt in the mold is cooled to form the plastic part. A thin layer of a reflective metal coating is deposited on the mirror surface of the plastic part and a protective overcoat is formed on the reflective metal coating.

Abstract: An aerial projection system and method having a housing for positioning low cost optical elements capable of generating a three dimensional aerial images at video rates without reflected artifacts or visible display of the display screen. A method for generating the display images is based on a set of rules that eliminate boundary transgressions and maximizes the illusion of a three dimensional aerial image. An optional second display is a transparent imaging panel that acts selectively as a light valve, as a display platform for special effects or for providing the appearance of linear motion towards or away from the observer. The aerial projection system includes a plastic spherical mirror having a plastic part of at least the following descriptions: mirror surface of sufficient sphericity supported by wall structures, of a plastic material formulation, excellent optical grade finish, has a reflective metal coating and a protective overcoat.

Abstract: A system and method for selling and/or dispensing consumer products from a vending or transactional-based machine is disclosed. The vending or transactional-based machine comprises an aerial display device that displays an aerial image designed to attract the attention of potential consumers and sell advertising, special promotions or certain products. Once a consumer begins to interact with the vending machine, demographic data is collected or correlated with the product purchased or dispensed. The consumer can initiate and conclude a purchase by merely pointing at the desired product. A mechanism is provided that accepts payment by currency, credit card or electronically.