Abstract: A transient light scattering shutter is provided that switches very quickly from an optically transparent state to a strongly light scattering state and vice versa by varying a voltage across the shutter. Multi-surface optical devices and multiplanar volumetric systems using a plurality of such transient light scattering shutters are also provided. These devices and systems generate high quality three-dimensional images that are viewable without special eyewear or headgear.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements corresponding to a plurality of image depths. An image projector selectively projects images on respective optical elements to generate a volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device. Psychological vision cues are added during generation of the three-dimensional image to enhance depth perception when viewing the three-dimensional image. A floating-image generator may project the three-dimensional image having enhanced depth to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space.

Abstract: A large screen display system includes a mounting grid and an array of electro-optical display tile modules arranged to form a three-dimensional shape. The system includes a mounting frame formed into a three-dimensional configuration such as a whole or partial cylinder, sphere, cone, pyramid, box, or combinations thereof, or any other three-dimensional geometric configuration. The array of electro-optical display tile modules is in electrical communication with a computing or electronic processing device, such as a computer. The computer is equipped with a specialized video card for apportioning a composite video image into a plurality of segments and communicating each video image segment to a corresponding electro-optical display tile module such that the array of electro-optical display tile modules reconstitutes and displays the composite video image.

Abstract: The value of a stereo vision parameter for an immediately preceding frame is subtracted from the value of the stereo vision parameter for a current frame to obtain a differential value d. If d<−&dgr; (lower limit value), the differential value d is set to −&dgr;, and if d>&dgr; (upper limit value), the differential value d is set to &dgr;. If the differential value d is within the range of −&dgr; to &dgr;, it is left as it is without being changed. The thus set differential value d is added to the value of the stereo vision parameter for the immediately preceding frame, and the resulting value is set as the stereo vision parameter for the current frame. By thus setting the stereo vision parameter, a limit is imposed upon abrupt change of the stereo vision parameter for the current frame.

Abstract: Electronic communication communication via the internet and computer allows for exchange of information for the purposes of electronic display and can also include added electronic transmissions from satellite, radio television, virtual blanking, telephone, and cable. The internet provides a means to exchange data and control the ultimate destination of the displayed information being singular or multiple locations with no restrictions of distance and display time.

Abstract: In a 3-D image display device, a parallax barrier having a plurality of apertures is provided in front of an LCD element. Each aperture is equipped with a color filter of any one of red, green, and blue colors. The LCD element conducts monochromatic display, and hence, no color filters are provided therein. In the LCD element, regarding each color, a pixel group is provided at each position corresponding to the color filter of the color, the pixel group being composed of a plurality of pixels which are driven in response to an image signal corresponding to the color. With this arrangement, when the number of parallax images for a 3-D image is increased so that a fine 3-D image is obtained, the yield of the display element, and further, the yield of the 3-D image display device, can be improved. Besides, the cost of the device can be lowered.

Abstract: A multi-planar volumetric display system and method of operation generate volumetric three-dimensional images using a multi-surface optical device including a plurality of individual optical elements arranged in an array; an image projector for selectively projecting images on respective optical elements to generate a first volumetric three-dimensional image viewable in the multi-surface optical device; and a floating-image generator for projecting the first volumetric three-dimensional image to generate a second volumetric three-dimensional image viewable as floating in space at a location separate from the multi-surface optical device. Anti-aliasing adjusts the display of voxels in a transition between optical elements, such that color values of the voxels are modified as a function of the distance of the voxels from the optical elements, to generate a smooth transition between portions of the volumetric three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A portable device, for example a portable phone (1), has a display comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3). The first element (2) is adapted to display information, and the second element (3) is an electrochromic element, which at least partially covers the first element (2). This has the advantage of allowing the electrochromic window to enhance the design flexibility of the display. In addition, the display enables power consumption to be saved in a portable device having such first and second elements, by switching off the first display element when the device is placed into a standby mode, and switching the electrochromic element into a non-transparent state to indicate that it is in said standby mode. The device may also be used with other portable devices such as a personal organizer or laptop computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying three-dimensional CT (Computed Tomography) data as a combination of three sectional images defined by an X-section, a Y-section and a Z-section orthogonalizing each other and the recoding medium saving a program for realizing the method are disclosed together. According to the method, when a cursor on one of the three sectional images is moved, another sectional image sequentially changed corresponding to a movement of the cursor.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image to an observer. The apparatus comprises a display screen upon which stripes of the image appear in at least three distinct phases. The apparatus comprises a light blocking shutter disposed in front of the display screen forming a stripe pattern which lets through only ⅓ of each stripe of the image on the display screen during each of the at least three distinct phases. The apparatus comprises a computer connected to the display screen and the light blocking shutter which changes the phases so in each phase the stripe pattern is shifted laterally, which renders 2 3D scenes corresponding to the eyes of the observer, which produces a proper left/right orientation pattern for each of the three phases and which interleaves the left/right orientations into three successive time phases as red, green and blue, respectively. The apparatus comprises an eye tracker for identifying the locations of the observers' eyes and providing the location to the computer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display system includes an array of directionally-modulated pixels or light emitting picture elements. Each directionally-modulated pixel (DMP) emits light which is modulated in a manner that is not uniform in all directions, to insure that the light emitted in each included direction is appropriate for the scene being displayed. In this manner, observers viewing the scene from various positions see a scene generated by the image display device that closely simulates the three-dimensional attributes of the real objects located in the real scene being reproduced.

Abstract: Dimensional data representing the actual dimension of a display subject is added to two-dimensional image data representing cross-sectional images, and upon displaying a three-dimensional image, the dimensional data is referred so that in the case of equal magnification, a variable magnification process is carried out by using a zoom optical system on a display subject; thus, an image is projected onto a screen with its display size having virtually the actual dimension of the display subject, and a character “magnification×1” is displayed on a liquid crystal display. In the same manner, when the user sets a magnification of ½, an image is projected onto the screen with its display size reduced to ½ of the actual dimension, and a character “magnification×½” is displayed on the liquid display.

Abstract: A real-time, three-dimensional, interactive, configurable product display system and method is disclosed. An interactive interface configures and displays products in real-time. The interface comprises a search mechanism that retrieves a product from a data repository according to predefined criteria and a three-dimensional viewer displaying a threedimensional view of the product. The interface may also include a two-dimensional viewer displaying a two-dimensional view of the product. The two-dimensional view of the product corresponds to the three-dimensional view of the product. Additionally, an interactive method is disclosed for configuring and displaying a product display in real-time. The method comprises the steps of retrieving a product from a data repository in response to input from a user, configuring the product in real-time according to instructions from the user; and displaying a three-dimensional, real-time view of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, for example, a mobile personal communicator comprising at least a main screen module and a folding screen module on said main screen module. The main screen module and the folding screen module comprise a sensor for detecting the state of unfolding of the folding screen module. The image to be displayed on the screen is adapted as regards size and resolution to the state of unfolding of the folding module.

Abstract: In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a three-dimensional scene is reproduced on a specialized light display which offers full multiviewpoint capability and auto-stereoscopic views. The displayed image is produced using a set of M two-dimensional images of the scene collected at a set of distinct spatial locations. These M two-dimensional images are processed through a specialized mathematical encoding scheme to obtain a set of N×K display-excitation electrical-input signals, where K is the number of pixels in the display, and N≦M is the number of individual light-radiating elements within one pixel. The display is thus comprised of a total of N×K light-radiating elements. Each of the K pixels is adapted for control of their associated radiance patterns. The display is connected for response to the set of N×K display-excitation electrical-input signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of acquiring simulated autostereoscopic video images of a scene to be viewed. On the basis of stored data containing three-dimensional information, it implements n simulated cameras, with n≧3, each generating an image of a scene on a given optical axis. The optical axes of the simulated cameras converge at a point situated at the same distance D from the simulated cameras. The scene to be viewed has a nearest point Pp and a farthest point Pe, and the inter-camera distance and the distance Dmin between the simulated cameras and the nearest point Pp are selected in such a manner that for focus varying between the nearest point Pp and the farthest point Pe the angle 2&agr; between two adjacent simulated cameras varies between a value not greater than 4.5° for the point Pp and a value not less than 0.2° for the point Pe.

Abstract: A displayer. The displayer comprises a sensor mechanism for identifying where N different eyes of V viewers are in space, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer and V is greater than or equal to 1 and is an integer. The displayer comprises a displaying mechanism for displaying N different images to N different eyes where each image is a function of where each eye is in space to which the respective image is associated. The displaying mechanism is remote and apart from and out of contact with the V viewers. The displaying mechanism is in communication with the sensor mechanism. The displaying mechanism includes a computer which receives information from the sensor mechanism identifying where each eye is in space and produces the images.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional motion picture display is achieved by raster scanning a beam of collimated light from each of a plurality of light sources into a viewing space. The system is essentially a time based ray tracer, and can thus simulate objects both behind, on, and in front of the physical locations of the light emanating from the sources.

Abstract: A video image viewing device includes first and second glass plates having a layer of liquid crystal therebetween. A plurality of laser diodes extending along a line near one edge of the first plate are selectively illuminated at an intensity corresponding to the amplitude of a video signal during each of a plurality of video lines. The light propagates through the first plate via total internal reflection not entering the liquid crystal layer until it reaches an area where the refractive index of the liquid crystal is selectively modified. The refractive index may be modified by selectively energizing each of a plurality of horizontal strip electrodes vertically spaced from each other. The electrodes are sequentially energized to frustrate the total internal refraction and thereby cause the light to be transmitted through the liquid crystal layer into the second plate at a location corresponding to the location of video line in a video frame of the video signal.

Abstract: A volumetric display comprises complementary segments made of a transparent material. An optical scattering layer is formed on a surface between adjoining segments. The segments are joined to form a display volume that may be rotated to cause the scattering layer to sweep out the entire display volume each revolution. A scanning beam may be used to illuminate points on the scattering layer at selected rotation angles to create a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A flat screen autostereoscopic display for bright wide angle stereoscopic images employs a flat screen on which are displayed a light pattern such as a plurality of regularly spaced, thin, vertical light emitting lines. The light lines are formed through use of electrically switchable materials such as liquid crystal or electrochromic materials. A transmissive electronic display, e.g., a liquid crystal display, is located in front of the light lines. The display and light lines 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 through the right eye. Methods and apparatus for the simultaneous formation of a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image on such a transmissive electronic display, and for moving or dragging the display area of the three-dimensional image from one location to another on said display, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image display system which provides first and second images such that the right eye and the left eye of an observer see the first and second images at different times, respectively. The image display system comprises a camera for taking a picture of the observer and then outputting an image of the observer; a liquid crystal display device transparent to light, for displaying the first and second images at the different times, respectively; a back-lighting device which displays back light images to illuminate the liquid crystal display device from a back side thereof, at the different times; and an optical element for giving directivity to back light emitted by the back-lighting device so that the back-lighting device provides back light illuminations of the LCD device for the right and left eyes at the different times. The apparatus detects centroids or contours of images of the observer taken by the camera, and generates the back-light images on the basis of the centroids or contours.

Abstract: A display device and method for producing a three-dimensional visual effect having a viewing area with a front and a depth with a rotating spiral screen disposed within the viewing area with the screen facing the front of the viewing area. A plurality of independently controlled light-producing elements are disposed on the spiral screen. Computerized image programs control the activation of selected of the plurality of light-producing elements in a desired pattern. The rotating spiral screen can also be a television screen.

Abstract: A projection television comprises a projection screen formed by a three dimensional hologram disposed on a film substrate. A projection tube has an optical path in a substantially orthogonal orientation with the screen and two other projection tubes have respective optical paths converging toward the first optical path at angles of incidence .alpha.. The hologram has a configuration effective for reducing color shift in the displayed images. The screen has a color shift less than or equal to approximately 5 for all angles .alpha., where 0.degree.<.alpha..ltoreq.30.degree., as determined by the maximum value obtained from at least one of the following expressions: ##EQU1## where .theta. is any angle within a range horizontal viewing angles, C(.theta.) is the color shift at angle .theta., red(.theta.) is the red luminance level at angle .theta., blue(.theta.) is the blue luminance level at angle .theta. and green(.theta.) is the green luminance level at angle .theta..

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display apparatus comprises a display device (10), for example a matrix LC display panel, for producing a display output consisting of rows and columns of pixels (12) and lenticular means (15) at the output side of the display device comprising an array of lenticular elements (16) through which different groups of pixels, forming one or more stereoscopic pairs, are seen by respective eyes of a viewer. The lenticular means includes electro-optic material (38) having an electrically--alterable refractive index and which can be selectively switched to remove the action of the lenticular elements thereby allowing high resolution 2-D images to be viewed.

Abstract: A displayer comprises a sensor mechanism for identifying where N different eyes of V viewers are in space, where N is greater than equal to 2 and is an integer and V is greater than or equal to 1 and is an integer. The displayer comprises a displaying mechanism for displaying N different images to N different eyes where each image is a function of where each eye is in space to which the respective image is associated. The displaying mechanism remote and apart from and out of contact with the V viewers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in a three-dimensional display system. A transformation technique is described wherein deflection coordinates defining the spatial locations of the images written into the display volume are determined by transformation from a coordinate system based on the display volume to a coordinate system based on the one or more electron guns. The application further relates to a technique by which the location of an electron beam within the display volume may be determined. These techniques involve positioning conductive material at various locations such as the screen and the enclosure of the display itself so that the impinging electron beam may be detected and thy the location of the beam in the display volume may be derived. Image enhancing techniques are described in conjunction with the location techniques whereby conductive films are evaporated onto the screen and/or the enclosure.

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: The system and method creates a broadcast tree comprising a hierarchy of broadcast constituents, each constituent represented as a node in the tree. The tree includes at least two nodes representing at least two of the following constituents arranged in accordance with the following hierarchical order; channel, schedule, program, pod and element, wherein the channel is the highest order constituent and the element is the lowest order constituent and wherein each higher order constituent can be composed of one or more constituents of the same or lower order. Associations are provided between constituents to be used to identify the sequence the constituents are played in order to generate a broadcast. These associations identify the paths to be taken from a higher order node to a lower order node.

Abstract: An apparatus forming a border for an image comprises a first pattern (3) and a further pattern (4) superimposed on but spaced from the fist pattern, the patterns comprising visually contrasting areas, overlying portions of the first pattern and the further pattern being such as to form a resultant pattern (5) appearing to lie in front of and/or behind the plane of the border. The first pattern and/or further pattern changes with time and comprises a liquid crystal panel comprising an array of addressable picture elements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display comprising a flat light source, a vertical striped filter having slits transmitting light from the light source and barriers screening the light from the light source alternately formed therein for partially transmitting the light from the light source, and an LCD panel arranged on the light emission side of the vertical striped filter and having left eye pixels and right eye pixels alternately formed therein, light passing through the left eye pixels in the LCD panel and light passing through the right eye pixels being emitted toward a observer in a separated state.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display apparatus (10) for displaying true three-dimensional images that can be viewed without special three-dimensional eye glasses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a screen (12), a screen moving assembly (14) for moving the screen to a selected number of depth locations, and an imaging assembly (16) for displaying images on the screen as it is moved to its different depth locations. The imaging assembly includes a CRT (80) for successively generating the two-dimensional images as the screen is moved, a focusing system (82) for focusing the images from the CRT to the screen, and a control system (84) for driving the CRT.

Abstract: A system and method generate volumetric, three-dimensional displays, including displays of images or data. An apparent position of a volumetric image is translated by employing an image translation chamber with various combinations of concave and convex reflectors, mirrors, lenses, and/or holographic optical elements. A high-speed opto-mechanical shutter may also be used, as well as acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) for very high-speed intensity modulation of a coherent light beam to generate a periodic pattern of light packets or pulses. Active and passive multi-planar optical elements (MOEs) are also used in either a reflective or a transmissive mode and optionally having interposed layers of switchable liquid crystal material. A multi-planar optical sensor with interposed layers of light-sensitive material may be employed, as well as a gas imaging chamber for displaying the three-dimensional images. The system and method also allow interaction with the volumetric display of an image.

Abstract: A video image viewing device includes first and second glass plates having a layer of liquid crystal therebetween. A plurality of laser diodes extending along a line near one edge of the first plate are selectively illuminated at an intensity corresponding to the amplitude of a video signal during each of a plurality of video lines. The light propagates through the first plate via total internal reflection not entering the liquid crystal layer until it reaches an area where the refractive index of the liquid crystal is selectively modified. The refractive index may be modified by selectively energizing each of a plurality of horizontal strip electrodes vertically spaced from each other. The electrodes are sequentially energized to frustrate the total internal refraction and thereby cause the light to be transmitted through the liquid crystal layer into the second plate at a location corresponding to the location of video line in a video frame of the video signal.

Abstract: A display includes a plurality of individually electrically controllable pixels. Each pixel has a layer of light controlling medium extending over a predetermined area of the pixel. The light controlling medium is responsive to electrical fields directed through the area of the light controlling medium for controlling the light passing through the pixel as a predetermined function of the magnitude of the electric field. Each pixel has an electric field directing arrangement for directing an electric field through the layer of light controlling medium of the pixel. The electric field for each pixel is controllably variable over the area of the light controlling medium of the pixel such that the light passing through the area of the light controlling medium of the pixel is controlled in a manner that varies over the area of the pixel depending on the variable electric field.

Abstract: A method of producing a three-dimensional image comprises the steps of: sequentially producing images of depth plane contours of an object by tracing the images representative of the contours in each plane; and projecting the contour images onto a moving screen to display the images at an appropriate point in space. The rate of production of the contour images is more rapid than can be discerned by the human eye such that persistence of vision creates an apparently solid three-dimensional image of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image display method, which includes the steps mainly characterized by allowing the observer to stereoscopically view the three-dimensional partial image by guiding a light beam coming from the three-dimensional partial image to a predetermined position via a partial parallax barrier, which is formed by light directivity controlling means, arranged to oppose the image displaying means, by alternately arranging stripe-shaped light-transmitting portions and light-shielding portions on an area corresponding to the three-dimensional partial image; and controlling, using light amount adjusting means, the brightness levels of the partial images to be observed by the observer in correspondence with the view point numbers of the partial images.

Abstract: A method for transforming world coordinates into device coordinates comprises the steps of inputting a set of world coordinates to be displayed, scaling the world coordinates into view coordinates bounded by a display volume, finding a control memory location of a light beam deflector corresponding to a Y-axis position for each of the view coordinates, calculating X-axis and Z-axis device coordinates from the view coordinates for deflecting a light beam to a selected point within the display volume corresponding to each of the view coordinates, and loading the device coordinates into the control memory locations corresponding to the Y-axis position for each of the view coordinates to cause the light beam to be deflected to each selected point.

Abstract: Reliable autofocus is required to obtain accurate measurements of fluorescent stained cellular components from a system capable of scanning multiple microscope fields. Autofocus could be performed directly with fluorescence images, but due to photobleaching and destructive fluorescence by-products, it is best to minimize fluorescence exposure for photosensitive specimens and live cells. This exposure problem could be completely avoided by using phase-contrast microscopy, implemented through the same optics as fluorescence microscopy. Functions for both phase-contrast and fluorescence autofocus were evaluated using the present invention and the suitability of phase-contrast autofocus for fluorescence microscopy was determined. The present autofocus system for scanning microscopy can be performed at least as fast as 0.25 s/field without loss of precision.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device comprises a screen shutter unit, a shutter control unit, a display unit, and a display control unit. The screen shutter unit comprises a plurality of long and narrow shutters capable of passing and intercepting light rays. Each of the shutters is positioned vertically and arranged horizontally to each other at equal intervals. The shutter control unit selects shutters from the plurality of shutters at predetermined intervals as long slits to pass light rays through, and moves entire slits horizontally at predetermined time intervals. The display unit displays each image corresponding to each slit on an image display screen provided at a predetermined distance from an arrangement of the shutters.

Abstract: A 3D display having a closed loop feedback system dynamically adjusting the scanning pattern of laser beams on-line to maintain pointing errors of all scanned images to a specified tolerance. A predetermined alignment pattern, preferably a matrix of dots with known coordinates, is periodically injected into the image data path, preferably during non-display periods. A grid is disposed on each of two mirrors which enter into two separate light paths and are scanned. The mirrors reflect the laser beams from the grid to an optical sensor for each beam, each sensor connected to an A/D converter and producing an output proportional to the intensity of the reflected light. The sensor output is an analog function of the light intensity impinging thereon. The digitized values are stored in a grid buffer which accumulates an entire intensity pattern of grid points.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for controlling the optics of a coherent light source impacting a three dimensional defined volume. The system uses a scanner to time and spatially position the coherent light. The divergent light beam output of the scanner is then placed through positive and negative lenses to narrow the beam waist while also increasing the divergence angle of the beam. Provision is made to abate the divergence angle so that the light, as it impacts the defined volume, will not continue to diverge, creating a skewed image within the volume.

Abstract: A polychromatic three dimensional display comprises a first (5) and second (8) image sources, the second image source (8) adapted to reduce selectively the field of view of the first image source to provide thereby a time multiplexed three dimensional autostereoscopic image. The display also comprises a switching color filter (12) disposed adjacent to the second image source which comprises a plurality of regions each switchable between different colors to enable color modulation of the generated image.

Abstract: A display device that includes a display medium having a planar display area over which an image is generated, a first and second optical point beam each directed in the display medium coplanar with the planar display area, and beam controllers that scan each of the optical point beams to selectively interfere in the display area within a region defined by the intersection of the optical point beams to produce an intensity in the region that has enhanced visibility relative to the individual optical beams propagating in the display medium outside of the region. The beam controller may be an elongated reflector having a reflecting surface upon which a linear array of liquid crystal modulators are controlled to selectively transmit segments of a linear beam incident on the linear array, in order to provide the optical beam by selectively reflecting segments of the linear optical beam into the display medium.

Abstract: A shutter synchronization circuit for a stereoscopic system, which comprises a CPU, a main memory, a VGA graphic card, a monitor, a RS 232 interface circuit, an interrupt controller, a timer and an external shutter synchronizer with RS 232 interface; the circuit is to be used in personal computers; by using the RS 232 interface and the external shutter synchronizer with RS 232 interface, the switching of the LCD shutter and the vertical synchronization scanning signal of the VGA graphic card can be in synchronization. By using a hardware system of a stereoscopic image, a user can see a stereoscopic scene instead of a plane image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional computer monitor is provided for displaying information and representations of objects in three dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the monitor comprises a three dimensional array of optical voxels that are individually activated by energy transmitted through optical fibers coupled to each voxel. The energy, such as visible or ultraviolet light, may be conducted into selected optical fibers using a two dimensional shutter array or a plurality of controllable energy sources, under the direction of a digital computer. The voxels may be made of polymethylmethacrylate doped with a dye that fluoresces when energy, such as ultraviolet light, is introduced into a voxel. A color monitor may be constructed by selecting a plurality of dyes to produce voxels that emit different colors. The intensity of each of, for example, adjacent red, green and blue voxels can be controlled to produce a variety of colors.

Abstract: A computerized stereoscopic image system and a method of using two-dimensional images with multi-layer for providing a view having a visual depth are disclosed. The stereoscopic image system includes a computer, a main memory unit, a VGA graphic card, a monitor, an external shutter synchronizer, and a LCD shutter eye-glasses. The method of using two-dimensional images with multi-layer for providing a view having visual depth is done by using a binocular shift and sequential displays of stereoscopic images on a monitor in such a manner that, as soon as the user puts on a pair of LCD-shutter eye-glasses, he or she will see a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional image is obtained from a 2-dimensional display by varying the apparent distance of the image from the viewer on a pixel by pixel basis. This is done by positioning an array of pixel-level optical elements in alignment with the pixels in the image. In a preferred format, each of the optical elements is generally elongate and has a focal length which varies along its length with the result that the point along its length at which light enters the optical element determines the apparent visual distance of the associated pixel from the viewer. In the case of a cathode-ray tube application, controlling the position of entry of the light is done by controlling the electron beam to move a minute distance vertically as it scans horizontally. In a television application, the vertical distance may be determined by a depth component incorporated in the broadcast signal received by a television set.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display has first and second spatial light modulators. Images from the spatial light modulators are combined by a beam combiner before being presented to a viewing region. The relative positions of the first and second spatial light modulators are controlled such that pixels of the second spatial light modulator are interspersed with pixels of the first spatial light modulator. Such an arrangement allows an effective doubling of resolution when the spatial light modulators are operated so as to produce a two dimensional image instead of a three dimensional images.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to three dimensional volumetric display. Optical data is supplied by an optical data generator through an optical interfacing unit to a rotating display which produces three dimensional volumetric images. The optical interfacing unit transforms non-rotating incoming optical data into rotating optical data which is synchronous with the rotating display. If the optical data generator is viewed backwards along the optical path from the display, looking into the output of the interfacing unit, the position and orientation of the optical data generator will be seen as invariant with respect to the rotating display surface.