Abstract: A transportable image display system having direct and projection viewing modes of operation. The image display system comprises a spatial light modulation structure for spatially modulating the intensity of light produced from a light source, and light diffusing panel of electro-optical construction having a light scattering state in which light being transmitted therethrough is scattered in a diffusive manner, and a light transmission state in which light being transmitted therethrough is transmitted without substantial scattering. In the illustrative embodiments, the spatial light modulation structure can be an electrically-addressable LCD panel, or slide-film structures to be viewed. During the direct viewing mode, light produced from the light source is scattered by the light diffusing panel and spatial intensity modulated by the spatial light modulation structure to form a first image for direct viewing.

Abstract: A process for fabricating microchannel plates produces large area microchannel plates that have channel exit openings as small as 0.5 micron, MTF.about.1, pitch-limited resolution (a factor of 10 potential improvement in resolution) and at a cost of $0.40/sq. centimeter, and with funneling controlled as to configuration and exit opening size and shape. Microchannels may be rectangular in cross section, or rectangular, or trapezoidal, or other configuration, including straight sided, chevron or balloon sided. Microchannels of differing configurations may be interspersed, for reasons of alignment or to control pixel characteristics. Material choice may include glass, ceramic, metal, alloy and plastics, plus dopants. This materials flexibility, and the improved geometrical uniformity lead to higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower outgassing, and to a significant improvement in performance.

Abstract: Pixel data processing system and method for producing a spatial multiplexed image of a 3-D object for use in stereoscopic viewing thereof. The pixel data sets of each pair of first and second perspective (e.g. left and right) images of a 3-D object, are stored in a first and second memory arrays. The pixel data sets of the first and second perspective images are processed in accordance with complimentary spatial modulation functions, so as to produce third and fourth pixel data sets representative of first and second spatially modulated images consisting of first and second pixel patterns, respectively. The pixel data sets of the first and second spatially modulated images are stored in third and fourth memory arrays. The pixel data sets of the first and second spatially modulated images are processed in accordance with a spatial multiplexing function, so as to produce a fifth pixel data set representing a spatially multiplexed image (SMI) of the object.

Abstract: A desktop-based stereoscopic projection display system affording high-resolution stereoscopic and peripheral viewing of three-dimensional color imagery over a field of view of at least 180.degree.. The projection volume required by each image projector of the display system is disposed substantially within the overall display volume of the display system, while maximizing the viewing volume within which the viewer is free to move during interactive stereoscopic viewing sessions. The display system utilizes high-resolution image projectors, keystoning correcting optics and projection-beam folding mirrors which are compactly mounted immediately above the upper volume-boundary surface of the overall display volume of the system, in order to permit the use of three-dimensional display structures having footprints and display volumes that are supportable upon desktops and in other viewing environments characterized by spatial restrictions.

Abstract: An electro-optical system and method are disclosed for modulating the intensity of light rays propagating towards an optical element, such as an eye, a lens or aperture stop in a camera station, a camera station in a machine vision system, or other image detection device. The electro-optical system comprises an electro-optical element having a optically transparent surface having electrically addressable pixels. Each pixel has a light transmittance which is controllable by a controller that is operably associated with a computer system. An image acquisition device, such as a camera station, acquires an image of a spatial scene within the field of view of the optical element. The computer system processes the image to determine which pixels are to be addressed and actively driven in order to modulate (i.e. decrease) the intensity of incident light rays propagating through the determined pixels, towards the optical element.