Abstract: A three dimensional display system comprises a display volume selectively partitioned into distinct display regions, a display surface for scattering light beams from the display volume, at least two optical scanners for modulating the light beams and for directing the light beams to the display surface within each distinct display region respectively, and a display controller. The display controller comprises a world coordinate interface for inputting world coordinates, a data processor for transforming the world coordinates into view coordinates and device coordinates, and an optical scanner controller for sensing and controlling the motion of the display surface and for outputting the device coordinates to the optical scanners to generate a three dimensional image within the display volume.

Abstract: A system for generating three dimensional images includes a data processor which generates a first data stream representing coordinates along a first axis, a second data stream representing coordinates along a second axis, and a third data stream representing intensities of optical beams. A demultiplexer transforms the first, second, and third data streams into multiple control signals each comprised of elements of the first, second and third data streams. The system further includes an optical energy source for generating an optical signal, and an optical beam steering system which divides the optical signal into multiple optical beams which are individually deflected and intensity modulated under the control of one of the control signals. The optical beams then are recombined and steered to reflect off the reflecting surface of a reflective structure, resulting in the presentation of a 3D image.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a multi-color pattern within a single device is shown and described. The apparatus utilizes an electrochromic light valve which comprises electrodes that cover a photoconductive layer and a two-dimensional plurality of electrochromic pixels. An insulating grid defines the electrochromic pixels in the multi-color display. Each electrochromic pixel has a conductive mirror onto which the electrochromic material is deposited. The electrochromic material and grid structure are covered by an electrolyte solution. Color selection for a given pixel is effected by applying a voltage pulse of controlled amplitude synchronized with a laser beam which illuminates the photoconductor associated with the addressed electrochromic pixel. The voltage applied when the laser beam addresses an electrochromic pixel determines the color of the pixel.

Abstract: An improvement for a large screen display eliminates the gap/grid line wh is otherwise present between abutted display modules. Each of the display modules has a light-emanating/reflecting display surface which provides a visual indication of the information content on a problem of a visual display for the large screen. A diverging strip is superimposed over each gap/grid line and at least a portion of the butting light-radiating display surfaces so that light is diverged from the abutted light-radiating surfaces to optically mask the gap/grid line and present a continuous uniterrupted display across the surface of the large screen display. The diverging strip can be tilted hollow fiber microchannels, tilted optical fibers or tilted plastic fibers inclined or fan-shaped at about a 10.degree.-15.degree. angle so that the gap/grip lines are optically masked.

Abstract: An endoscope of such small size and flexibility to allow safe diagnosis and treatment of lesions and disorders of the ureter and kidney. A 2mm outer diameter tube fabricated from a low friction material includes a bundle of fiber optics shaped to conform to an inner sector of the tube. This bundle provides illumination while a second fiber optic bundle, bonded alongside the first bundle, permits observation at a distal end. The remainder of the interior of the tube defines a longitudinal duct for the bidirectional exchange of fluids. The internal disposition of the fiber bundles and duct keeps the dimensions small enough to permit ureteral and renal applications as well as other heretofore inaccessible places.

Abstract: A display screen shows a number of alphanumeric characters in accordance with computer originating signals. These signals are fed to a liquid crystal panel which responsively vaires its opacity and, preferably, tapered fiber optics extend from one side of the liquid crystal panel to the screen. In one mode light originating from a high intensity source behind the screen is transmitted through the fiber optics. In another mode light from the front of the screen is reflected from a reflector surface behind the liquid crystal panel to the display screen. Either mode of operation allows the fabrication of a matrix of a number of liquid crystal panels and their associated fiber optics to provide an expanded display screen. Thus, an expanded visual presentation is read out from a computer or similar source of controlling signals to assure that several observers are reliably informed.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables are employed to convert punched card type of input infation to an alpha-numeric visual display. Separate groups of the fiber optic cables have first terminal ends positioned in an aperture area corresponding to the punched card aperture area. The second terminal ends of each group of fiber optic cables defines a single segment of an alpha-numeric character in a uniform multi-segment format. When a punched card or punched tape type of input information is inserted between a suitable source of light energy and the first terminal ends of the groups of fiber optic cables, those aperture areas which are punched out permit the transmission of light from the light source to the visual display, thereby illuminating corresponding segments of characters in the uniform multi-segment format at a display plane and converting the punched card information to alpha-numeric visual display.