Abstract: Multiple sets of view channels originate from multiple projected views modulated through an optic assembly comprising a Fresnel lens, a vertical dispersion lenticular lens, and a diffuser. Compact projection enclosures are formed using image-repeating mirrors to create a three-dimensional autostereoscopic viewing experience in free space without the use of special eyeglasses and without the use of view screens. Multiple sets of images are repeated within a viewing zone that may extend well beyond the confines of the enclosure and may be projected through and beyond a glass window. An observer walking past the window will see one view channel per eye, due in part to the repeated images, and due in part to the vertical dispersion of each projected view. Separate images for each view channel may be created by using two or more cameras spaced apart at a distance interval to match the average horizontal distance between the eyes of a human observer.

Abstract: For three-dimensional viewing of television and movies, in the format wherein left-eye and right-eye images are presented alternately on the screen, a pair of 3-D viewing glasses have correspondingly alternating on/off left and right lenses. The lenses each contain liquid crystal material which varies from a nearly totally obscured state by scattering, to nearly 100% transmission, as controlled by a signal from the television or movie projector. In this way, in instances when the left-eye image is presented on the screen, the left-eye lens is "ON" so that the viewer sees the image with his left eye, and when the right-eye image is presented on the screen, the right-eye lens is "ON" to enable the viewer to see that image with his right eye. The two images on the screen are taken from different photographic angles, and the images alternate at a sufficient frequency for the viewer to perceive that both images are occurring at once, and he sees them as a composite three-dimensional image.

Abstract: An optical storage system achieves high density, sufficiently high to permit both video and audio to be stored on a compact disc, or to store other data at very high density. Pits are encoded on the disc storage medium with respect to timed electronic reference signals (not simultaneously optically encoded on the disc) which divide each revolution of the disc into a multiplicity of equal spaces or references. The pits have leading edges on the leading side of a reference signal and trailing edges on a trailing side of the reference signal, so that each pit staddles a reference signal. The length of the pit leading up to the reference signal represents one sample of information, while the length of the pit from the reference signal to the pit's trailing edge represents another sample of information.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a natural, viewable and optically interactive image of a luminous object which appears to float in free space at a location different from the location of the object. The apparatus includes a hollow opaque internally non-reflective shroud surrounding the luminous object and an optical system with an opening in the shroud for viewing the image of the object through the optical system. The optical system includes first and second convex lenses each having an f number between about 0.5 and about 1.5. Visible reference means defining a transparent plane between the viewer and the optical system are provided. Embodiments having optical systems including mirror means and fresnel lens are described as well as embodiments for simultaneous viewing of images of more than one object.

Abstract: A process for smoothing surfaces of crystalline materials such as sapphire or the like is disclosed which is capable of producing surfaces which are near atomically smooth. The process comprises the steps of substantially atomically removing crystalline material from the surface to be smoothed at a given rate and simultaneously substantially atomically depositing crystalline material on the surface to be smoothed at an independently controlled rate not greater than the given rate of removal. Various embodiments of the process are described in which combinations of evaporation, sputtering, gaseous chemical reaction and reflection of removed material are used to provide the substantially atomic removal and deposition of materials according to this invention.

Abstract: A method of insuring efficient triggering of a laser flashlamp by ion plag to the outer surface of the quartz envelope of the flashlamp and an elongated thin electrically conductive strip which consists of an underlying thin layer of silver coated with a thin layer of nickel.

Abstract: A process for polishing surfaces of sapphire or similar materials to remove surface imperfections visible at magnifications of 1,000X or higher regardless of the shape of the surface, is disclosed, which process comprises the steps of heating the material to an elevated temperature and exposing the surface to be polished to a static hydrogen environment.