Abstract: A minimized-thickness angular scanner of electromagnetic radiation includes an optical sandwich having a two-dimensional (2D) image source, and a scanning assembly that includes a first optic and a second optic, wherein at least one of the first optic and the second optic are oscillatorily translating. Translation of the optics provides for generation of a three-dimensional (3D) image, while the optical sandwich design provides for compact implementation of 3D displays.

Abstract: A minimized-thickness angular scanner of electromagnetic radiation includes an optical sandwich having a two-dimensional (2D) image source, and a scanning assembly that includes a first optic and a second optic, wherein at least one of the first optic and the second optic are oscillatorily translating. Translation of the optics provides for generation of a three-dimensional (3D) image, while the optical sandwich design provides for compact implementation of 3D displays.

Abstract: A rangefinder has a depth camera and a computer. The depth camera is positioned to receive electromagnetic energy from a scene. Imaging optics and a sensor in the camera generate an input image based on electromagnetic energy. The computer receives the input image, calculates intermediate images by applying differentiation operators along different axes to the input image, creates a merit function map, and computes a depth map from the merit function map.

Abstract: An illuminated animation device with staggered sources of illumination with a rotatable member rotatable about an axis of rotation, first and second pluralities of sources of illumination retained to rotate with the rotatable member that are actuatable between illuminated and non-illuminated conditions. The first and second pluralities of sources of illumination are staggered so that the sources of illumination will produce individual paths of illumination to permit image display with enhanced. The rotatable member can be a rotatable panel with first and second arrays retained relative to first and second halves thereof, and the sources of illumination can be longitudinally and laterally staggered, such as by one-half a distance between adjacent sources of illumination. The sources of animation can alternatively be disposed in opposed, radially spaced straight line arrays. The device can be handheld and can include a motor and a power source.

Abstract: A minimized-thickness angular scanner of electromagnetic radiation includes an optical sandwich having a two-dimensional (2D) image source, and a scanning assembly that includes a first optic and a second optic, wherein at least one of the first optic and the second optic are oscillatorily translating. Translation of the optics provides for generation of a three-dimensional (3D) image, while the optical sandwich design provides for compact implementation of 3D displays.

Abstract: A minimized-thickness angular scanner of electromagnetic radiation includes an optical sandwich having a two-dimensional (2D) image source, and a scanning assembly that includes a first optic and a second optic, wherein at least one of the first optic and the second optic are oscillatorily translating. Translation of the optics provides for generation of a three-dimensional (3D) image, while the optical sandwich design provides for compact implementation of 3D displays.

Abstract: A method for accessing graphical information including receiving one or more graphics commands written in an application programming interface (API). The graphics commands are converted into a graphical language that facilitates the execution of the commands for a plurality of output devices of one or more types.

Abstract: A 3-D display may comprise a rotating optical diffuser for displaying 3-D parallax images in specific substantially unidirectional viewing zones as the rotating optical diffuser rotates; and a projector for projecting images through the rotating optical diffuser.

Abstract: Three-dimensional display apparatus and methods are disclosed. The apparatus and methods generate three-dimensional images for an observer by providing components of the image in a series of frames to an image space. Providing the image components can include: scanning an image of a light shaping element over an image space wherein each of a plurality of zones of the light shaping element is projected to each of a plurality of zones of the image space; and, selectively illuminating portions of the light shaping element zones during each of several frames during the scan, wherein each light-shaping element zone scatters the illumination and at least a portion of the scattered illumination provides a component of the three-dimensional image in the image space.

Abstract: A holographic imaging system and method includes a radiation source for generating radiation. A data base has a set of elements, each element is indicative of a trajectory of a light ray exiting a point in a recorded scene. A spatial light modulator is receptive of the radiation from the radiation source and the elements of the data base mapped to the spatial light modulator, thereby projecting from the spatial light modulator an optical signal in the nature of a two dimensional bitmap of the recorded scene. A diffractive optical element includes a set of basis fringes receptive of the projected optical signal from the spatial light modulator for diffracting the optical signal in a specified direction. A multiplexer is receptive of the elements of the data base for multiplexing the elements of the data base to the spatial light modulator. A timing device synchronizes multiplexing the elements of the data base to the spatial light modulator and diffracting the optical signal in a specified direction.

Abstract: A system for fusing multiple degree of freedom (DOF) positional input data includes software configured to scale positional output data from a first positional input device and a second positional input device, using a common axis therebetween. The positional output data from the first positional input device has at least two degrees of freedom associated therewith, and the positional output data from the second positional input device has at least two degrees of freedom associated therewith.

Abstract: A system for displaying graphical information in three dimensions. The system includes a host device executing an application for generating graphical information in a spatial transport protocol. Rendering hardware generates three-dimensional display data and a frame buffer stores the three-dimensional display data. A spatial display displays the three-dimensional display data. A spatial transport protocol interpreter receives the graphical information in the spatial transport protocol and controls operation of the rendering hardware and the frame buffer in response to the graphical information in the spatial transport protocol. An architecture for displaying graphical information in three-dimensions is also provided.

Abstract: A holographic imaging system and method includes a radiation source for generating radiation. A data base has a set of elements, each element is indicative of a trajectory of a light ray exiting a point in a recorded scene. A spatial light modulator is receptive of the radiation from the radiation source and the elements of the data base mapped to the spatial light modulator, thereby projecting from the spatial light modulator an optical signal in the nature of a two dimensional bitmap of the recorded scene. A diffractive optical element includes a set of basis fringes receptive of the projected optical signal from the spatial light modulator for diffracting the optical signal in a specified direction. A multiplexer is receptive of the elements of the data base for multiplexing the elements of the data base to the spatial light modulator. A timing device synchronizes multiplexing the elements of the data base to the spatial light modulator and diffracting the optical signal in a specified direction.

Abstract: A display having pixels and subpixels adapted to cause light to escape with a directed profile.

Abstract: An optical crossbar switch system includes: a mask comprising multiple patterns, wherein at least one of the multiple patterns is a diffractive pattern; and a spatial light modulator positioned to receive at least one optical input beam and selectively couple at least a portion of each of the at least one input beam to one of the patterns of the mask, each coupled portion defining an intermediate beam, wherein each pattern, when selected by the spatial light modulator, is configured to redirect the intermediate beam to one of N targets, where N is an integer greater than two. Further, a method for selectively coupling at least one input beam to one of multiple output channels includes: selectively coupling at least a portion of each of the at least one input beam to one of multiple patterns on a mask; and diffracting at least one of the coupled portions from the mask to one of the output channels.

Abstract: In a volumetric display, a strobe source illuminates a moving object at successive instants separated by potentially unequal time intervals. By specifying these intervals, an illumination controller achieves eye-catching visual effects suitable for advertising kiosks or other public displays. The volumetric display includes a signal generator configured to generate a first and second signals. An illumination controller interleaves these signals and provides the resulting interleaved signals to a strobe unit that is disposed to illuminate the moving object in response to the interleaved signals.

Abstract: A display system including a lenticular screen; a support assembly movably supporting the lenticular screen; and a drive mechanism which during operation causes the lenticular screen to repeatedly sweep through a volume of space.

Abstract: Three-dimensional display apparatus and methods are disclosed. The apparatus and methods generate three-dimensional images for an observer by providing components of the image in a series of frames to an image space. Providing the image components can include: scanning an image of a light shaping element over an image space wherein each of a plurality of zones of the light shaping element is projected to each of a plurality of zones of the image space; and, selectively illuminating portions of the light shaping element zones during each of several frames during the scan, wherein each light-shaping element zone scatters the illumination and at least a portion of the scattered illumination provides a component of the three-dimensional image in the image space.

Abstract: The invention features a spinning screen assembly that incorporates a thin projection screen held in place by a hollow transparent mount. The mount may be spherical in overall shape. A projection system projects portions of a 3-D image onto the projection screen. A control electronics subsystem coordinates other subsystems, including the projection system and a source of image data. Persistence of vision causes a viewer to perceive a volumetric image from a series of projections. The thinness of the projection screen reduces visual dead zones. Enclosing the projection screen within the screen assembly reduces the air resistance that the thin screen is exposed to during rotation. In a further embodiment, a stationary hemispherical transparent dome covers the spinning screen assembly.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display system is disclosed which includes a display target that receives a projected image and that rotates about an axis to form a three-dimensional image from the projected image. The display target has front and back surfaces that meet at locations relative to the axis to form tapered edges. Scanning optics directs light to the display target to form the projected image. A controller controls operation of the display target and the scanning optics.