Abstract: Systems and methods for distributed database management are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of accessing information in a distributed database system having one or more data servers includes establishing a plurality of lattice structures configured to store data elements having inter-related information. A data query initiated by a client is then formulated that includes selected data attributes. The data query is processed to generate a query product, and the plurality of lattice structures are searched to identify data elements corresponding to elements in the query product. Pertinent data files located within another data server are accessed that correspond to the data query and generating a result, and the result is transferred to the initiating client system.

Abstract: An optical system (100, 200, 400, 500) that projects a real image (140, 412, 504) into space and includes one or more features located along the optical path that enhance the viewability of the real image. The optical system includes a converging element (128, 208, 416, 528) for converging a portion of source light (104, 516) so as to form the real image. One viewability-enhancing features is the use of a broadband reflector-polarizer (124, 208, 408, 532) having high transmitting and reflecting efficiencies. Another viewability-enhancing features is the use of polarizing elements (116, 124, 136, 408, 420, 424) having substantially matched bandwidth responses and/or comprising an achromatic design. An additional viewability-enhancing feature is the use of a wide-view film (144) to increase the viewing angle of the image.