Abstract: A convertible 2D/3D autostereoscopic display includes of an electronically controllable display screen for displaying two dimensional images thereon and a permanently mounted first lens sheet for projecting 3D autostereoscopic images in a region of space in front of the display. Another lens sheet is pivotally attached to the display to allow it to be swung into and out of physical optical engagement with the first lens sheet. The lens sheets each have complimentary physical structure and optical properties such that when the lens sheets are engaged, the combined lens sheets have a substantially negligible effect on the two dimensional screen image; while disengagement of the lens sheets resumes the display to the 3D autostereoscopic display mode. Complimentary alignment structure is also provided in corresponding non-lens regions of the lens sheets for aligning the respective lenslets when the sheets are engaged. Conventional latches are also provided to secure the lens sheets when they are engaged.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display is disclosed having an optical system and one or more light sources which provide high brightness of the observed three-dimensional images and a high brightness-to-input-power ratio by having the light beam passing through the optical system (including a flat monochrome or color display panel) directed to the observer's eyes, instead of being diffused across the field of view.

Abstract: A field sequential color illumination system for liquid crystal displays is described which focuses light from a plurality of small point like or line like light sources into subregions of pixels of an LCD by a fly's eye lens, in such a manner that at any given time, red, blue, and green light spots are focused simultaneously into different pixels. Furthermore, during each subsequent field, light spots are focused into different sub sections of each pixel in such a way that each pixel receives red, green, and blue illumination sequentially during each set of three fields. During each field, each pixel is addressed and made to display the appropriate transmittance level to display the appropriate red, green, or blue color level for its location on the red, blue, or green color component of the image just prior to illumination of a sub region by a red, green, or blue light source.

Abstract: In a flat panel autostereoscopic display full resolution equal to the number of pixels in the two-dimensional light valve array, which serves to generate images, is achieved by incorporating an illumination system which makes use of stroboscopic light sources or continuously lit light sources in combination with electro-optical shutter means. The lighting system when used in conjunction with a 2-D flat panel display, achieves image resolution exceeding several times the pixel resolution of the light valve array.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display is adapted to have its viewing zones follow an observer's head by incorporating a device for monitoring the position of the observer's head, using the monitoring information to determine which set of light emitting lines is on in the display and which set of picture information is displayed on the picture elements (pixels), and selecting the illuminating lines relative to the light valve so that the viewing zones are continuously centered at the observer's head as the observer moves.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display with an optical element inserted near the transmissive display has improved brightness of the display, and optionally has incorporated therein a head position sensing device capable of sensing the position of at least one observers head causing the light emitting regions of the device to move in response to data on the observer's head position provided by the head sensing device.

Abstract: Illumination is provided for transmissive displays by the combination of (a) a light source which emits a thin, straight line of light, (b) cylindrical lens in front of the line of light and (c) a reflecting panel having (i) a first transparent layer which has spaced ridges on the side next to the light, (ii) an optional translucent diffusing layer next to the smooth, away from the light, side of the first layer and (iii) a third layer which is transparent and structurally stable that is attached to the second side of the translucent layer.

Abstract: A video display employs a flat surface upon which is displayed more than one set of thin, blinking light emitting sites. A transmissive light valve in front of the surface is capable of displaying images by means of varying the transparency of individual picture elements arranged in a grid pattern across its surface, and of displaying different images as different sets of light emitting lines blink on. The surface and light valve are arranged in such a way that an observer always sees each of the light emitting lines through one set of pixels with the left eye and another set of pixels with the right eye. The display is normally an autostereoscopic display, but it can be also made as a high resolution two dimensional display.

Abstract: A flat screen autostereoscopic display for bright wide angle stereoscopic images employs a flat screen on which are displayed a plurality of regularly spaced discrete, finite light emitting sites such as thin, vertical light emitting lines. A light valve located in front of the screen forms images by means of varying the transparency of individual pixels arranged in a raster pattern across its surface. A mask in front of the light valve completes the display unit to enhance the parallax effect obtained by the viewer. The screen and light valve are arranged in such a way that an observer sees the light emitting lines through one set of pixels with the left eye and the same lines through a different set of pixels with the right eye. The autostereoscopic effect is obtained when the viewer sees with the right eye and the left eye either alternating rows or alternating columns of pixels.

Abstract: A flat screen autostereoscopic display for bright wide angle stereoscopic images employs a flat screen on which are displayed a plurality of thin, vertical light emitting lines. A light valve located in front of the screen forms images by varying the transparency of individual pixels arranged in a raster pattern across its surface. The screen and light valve are arranged in such a way that an observer sees the light emitting lines through one set of pixels with the left eye and the same lines through a different set of pixels with the right eye.

Abstract: Reflected illuminating radiation is transmitted through a restricted window in an opaque surface undergoing scanning movement to project an image pattern on a closely spaced imaging surface from which the image pattern is reproduced on a viewing screen. The viewing screen is locally variable in transparency to provide images of objects viewed by observers with parallax.