Abstract: A holographic display includes "segmented" images configured as if positioned in separate viewing "cells" corresponding spatially to preselected subareas of a desired display area with invisible segmenting cell sides. In one embodiment, a polarized conjugate reference light source projects the segmented hologram images form a light-transmissive recording medium into the display area, a multi-element nematic 90.degree. twisted shutter assembly changes the polarization of light emanating from subareas corresponding to the images to be blocked while keeping unchanged the polarization of the segmented images to be displayed, and a sheet polarizer positioned between the multi-element shutter and the viewer blocks from view images from those subareas which the polarization direction has been changed by the multi-element shutter. In other embodiments, light-reflective recording mediums and multi-element nematic shutters having an appropriate guest-host dyes are used.

Abstract: A holographic display module is incorporated into a machine with independently operating subsystems, and used to provide an indication of the status or location of the machine subsystems. In one embodiment, a xerographic copier incorporates a holographic display incorporating an outline of the machine. A liquid crystal panel is aligned with the holographic display and selectively addressed in conjunction with signals from the copier subsystems. An illumination subsystem is optimized to provide diffuse illumination of the display.