Abstract: A process and system for interactively displaying large (more than 1 million voxels) volumetric 3D images utilizing a sequence of helical slices of a 3D data set to generate a series of 2D images on a reflective surface of a light modulator. The series of 2D images generated on the light modulator are projected into a volumetric 3D-space display using an illumination light source and projection optics. Voxels in 3D space are illuminated for each 2D projected image, each voxel being located at its corresponding spatial location. A pulse from a wireless pulsed laser pointer forms a 3D bright voxel within the display volume. The pulse signal is synchronized with the rotating helix, and the orientation of the pointer and the phase of the pulse are controlled by the user to specify a 3D point in 3D space. A wireless receiver provides six degree-of-freedom (DOF) position of the spatial location of the pointer, as well as the phase signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system of displaying stereoscopic images. The method comprises displaying at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display device, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional plane images, and providing at least one input device indicator on the pair of two-dimensional plane images. The method also comprises moving the at least one input device indicator from a first location to a second location on the pair of two-dimensional plane images, and determining a location value indicative of the second location of the at least one input device indicator. The method comprises calculating center points for the two-dimensional plane images based on the determined location value, respectively, and moving the center points of the two-dimensional plane images to align with the calculated center points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system of controlling the motion of a set of stereoscopic cameras. The method comprises displaying at least one stereoscopic image on a set of display device, the stereoscopic image comprising a pair of two-dimensional plane images. The method also comprises providing at least one input device indicator, and moving the at least one input device indicator from a first location to a second location on the two-dimensional plane images. The method comprises determining a location value for the second location of the device indicator, and transmitting the determined location value to a set of stereoscopic cameras located at a remote site. The method comprises receiving the determined location value at the remote site, and controlling the motion of the stereoscopic cameras based on the received location value.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display apparatus capable of producing an image in three dimensions without the aid of optical illusions or perspective trickery. The display apparatus is comprised of a plurality of pixels which are, in turn, comprised of a plurality of cells. The cells illuminate in one of the three primary colors red, green and blue such that a combination of a red, green and blue cell into a pixel, is capable of producing any color in the visible spectrum. The cells are oriented in the pixel such that light from the pixel is perceivable in six directions, thereby creating a three-dimensional light source. By combining a plurality of these three-dimensional light sources, i.e. a plurality of pixels in a three-dimensional matrix, a three-dimensional image is capable of being displayed.

Abstract: A 3D image/2D image switching display apparatus is provided with a liquid crystal display unit and first and second lenticular lenses. To display a 3D image, the first lenticular lens is arranged in such a way that the optical axis of the first lenticular lens coincides with the optical axis of the second lenticular lens so that pixels for a left eye display an image for a left eye and pixels for a right eye display an image for a right eye. To display a 2D image, the first lenticular lens is arranged in such a way that the optical axis of the first lenticular lens is shifted from the optical axis of the second lenticular lens by half a lens pitch so that the pixels for the left eye and the pixels for the right eye display the same image independently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backlighting device for a dual LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The backlighting device includes a circuit board with a through hole; a backlighting illumination device situated within the hole for radiating light in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a first face of the circuit board and in a second direction substantially perpendicular to a second face of the circuit board; a main LCD being situated on one face of the backlighting illumination device in the first direction, for displaying first information in the first direction; and a slave LCD being situated on another face of the backlighting illumination device through the through hole in the second direction, for displaying second information in the second direction.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display apparatus capable of producing an image in three dimensions without the aid of optical illusions or perspective trickery. The display apparatus is comprised of a plurality of pixels which are, in turn, comprised of a plurality of cells. The cells illuminate in one of the three primary colors red, green and blue such that a combination of a red, green and blue cell into a pixel, is capable of producing any color in the visible spectrum. The cells are oriented in the pixel such that light from the pixel is perceivable in six directions, thereby creating a three-dimensional light source. By combining a plurality of these three-dimensional light sources, i.e. a plurality of pixels in a three-dimensional matrix, a three-dimensional image is capable of being displayed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional representation method for generating a three-dimensional image by displaying two-dimensional images on a plurality of image planes located at different depth positions wherein two-dimensional images are generated in which an object to be presented is projected, along the line of sight of an observer, onto the plurality of image planes located at different depth positions as seen from the observer, the brightness levels of the generated two-dimensional images are changed individually for each image plane and the generated two-dimensional images are displayed on the plurality of image planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying three-dimensional images. In the method light beams (Le) are associated to several different screen points (P) of a screen (20). The light beams (Le) produce different views associated to different emission directions (E). The emission directions (E) are associated to the individual screen points (P). The light beams (Le) are generated by projecting light beams (Ld), according to the angle of the adjacent emitting directions. According to the invention, light beams (Le) without viewing direction information are generated, essentially simultaneously, with pixels (Cd) having different co-ordinates. These pixels (Cd) are pixels of a two-dimension display (50), and they are associated to different emitting directions (E) of the appropriate screen points (P).

Abstract: An image altering apparatus which provides confidential viewing of a video display by means of time multiplexing the fundamental display image with a color-inverted image thereof on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Electronic circuitry and/or software are utilized to modify the fundamental image signal by time multiplexing its color data components with corresponding inverse color data components to generate a compound image signal which is representative of a substantially featureless image. Different multiplexing sequences of color data components and inverse color data components may be utilized at varying duty cycles to generate a compound image which is highly confidential and secure from unauthorized viewing.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional image display apparatus provided with a shading mask with a minute aperture array in front of a color display device, the minute apertures are provided with color filters, a setting is provided so that the visual angles between the respective centers of the red-light transmitting part, green-light transmitting part, and blue-light transmitting part of the color filters become equal, in an identical parallax image pixel region, to the visual angles between the respective centers of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels of the color display device, the respective red, green, and blue sub-pixels are made so as to be always displayed in a lighted condition at a fixed area ratio, thus color reproduction wherein brightness ratio of the three primary colors in respective parallax image pixels is maintained at an appointed value is carried out.

Abstract: For stereoscopic displaying the new plasma display panels are providing promising results. When using shutter glasses that are controlled by the PDP, it is possible to display left and right image in short succession for stereoscopic displaying. However, there is the phosphor lag effect that is really disturbing and can totally impede the stereovision. The frame period of a stereoscopic picture is divided to at least one left period and at least one right period for the left picture and the right picture respectively. According to the invention both pictures are analyzed for similarities and the common part for a pair of corresponding pixels is determined. Sub-field code words for the left/right picture are determined having a part for the specific left/right sub-fields and a part for the common sub-fields. The common sub-fields are positioned at the end of each left/right field for the left/right picture so that the phosphor lag effect is no longer visible.

Abstract: An illumination and modulation device is described, as well as a method for modulating the exposure intensity in the integrating digital screen imaging system (IDSI), comprising a light source, a light modulator, and various devices. The object of the invention is to present a device and a method with which the exposure quality can be optimized using simple means. The object on which the invention is based is attained by the fact that the device comprises at least one device for varying the number of cells of the light modulator used to expose the photosensitive material or by the fact that, in the method according to the invention, the number of cells of the light modulator used to expose the photosensitive material can be varied.

Abstract: A system for performing interactive virtual reality sessions without constraining the mobility of a user is disclosed. The system allows a user to remain fully mobile while participating in an interactive virtual reality session. The system comprises a handheld computing device having a display, user input controls, a location sensing device and a user sensing device. To conduct a virtual reality session, a software application is loaded from a memory. Then, the computing device determines its position within a space using the location sensing device, and the user sensing device establishes a relationship between the user's eyes and display. This relationship is used to provide the user with the same perspective as would be achieved if viewing the simulated session in real life. User input controls allow the user to control aspects of the session to further enhance the user's experience.

Abstract: A system for viewing 3-D images that comprises an image source (50), a computer (105) and a television screen (110). The television screen is divided into a plurality of sections (115–130), with each section displaying an image representative of a certain depth in the image, as provided by the computer. Image display elements comprising optical fiber bundles (200–215) or lamps, (e.g. 520) and leads (e.g. 540) convey individual depth images from the television screen to a plastic block (225) in which the fiber bundles terminate or the lamps are positioned. The individual fiber bundles terminate at predetermined depths within the plastic block, with those conveying the nearest part of an image terminating at the front of the block, as viewed by an observer (220). The fiber bundle or lamp conveying the greatest depth in the image terminates near the rear portion of the block, as seen by an observer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional representation method for generating a three-dimensional image by displaying two-dimensional images on a plurality of image planes located at different depth positions wherein two-dimensional images are generated in which an object to be presented is projected, along the line of sight of an observer, onto the plurality of image planes located at different depth positions as seen from the observer, the brightness levels of the generated two-dimensional images are changed individually for each image plane and the generated two-dimensional images are displayed on the plurality of image planes.

Abstract: A display device positions an observer's eye (or eyes) to look in a particular direction (eye path). An electronically controlled image generating element in the eye path generates artificial images which are magnified to create a virtual image for the eye. The image generating element is transparent so that it also passes ambient light from the eye path to the eye.

Abstract: A three-dimensional representation method for generating a three-dimensional image by displaying two-dimensional images on a plurality of image planes located at different depth positions wherein two-dimensional images are generated in which an object to be presented is projected, along the line of sight of an observer, onto the plurality of image planes located at different depth positions as seen from the observer, the brightness levels of the generated two-dimensional images are changed individually for each image plane and the generated two-dimensional images are displayed on the plurality of image planes.

Abstract: A process and system for interactively displaying large (more than 1 million voxels) volumetric 3D images utilizing a sequence of helical slices of a 3D data set to generate a series of 2D images on a reflective surface of a light modulator. The series of 2D images generated on the light modulator are projected into a volumetric 3D-space display using an illumination light source and projection optics. Voxels in 3D space are illuminated for each 2D projected image, each voxel being located at its corresponding spatial location. A pulse from a wireless pulsed laser pointer forms a 3D bright voxel within the display volume. The pulse signal is synchronized with the rotating helix, and the orientation of the pointer and the phase of the pulse are controlled by the user to specify a 3D point in 3D space. A wireless receiver provides six degree-of-freedom (DOF) position of the spatial location of the pointer, as well as the phase signal.

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<?? (lower limit value), the differential value d is set to ??, and if d>? (upper limit value), the differential value d is set to ?. If the differential value d is within the range of ?? to ?, 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: A parallax panoramagram has increased depth and sharpness when a sharpness filter is applied after interdigitation of multiple image portions. An optical path of wave train (204) (on-axis) and wave train (205) (off-axis) intersect a single lenticle (201). The lenticle has a focal length (208) and the on-axis (204) and off-axis (205) wave trains correspond to different stripes. These wave trains (204 and 205) comme to focus at points (206 and 207) respectively. The surface (202) has a cylindrical curvature, and bracket (203) denotes the width of the lenticle (201). Each eye of the observer sees its own perspective view when looking at a lenticular stereogram.

Abstract: A flat-panel projection display comprises a transparent slab and integral area grating, a transparent rod with rectangular cross-section and integral linear grating, arranged along the edge of the slab, and a small video projector. The projector is arranged to direct a virtual image into the end of the rod, directly or via mirrors, the light travelling along the rod via total internal reflection. The linear grating diverts the light into the plane of the slab, and the area grating projects it out of the slab towards a viewer, so that the viewer sees an image at infinity.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image for a set viewpoint wherein a user can control the viewpoint, effectively rotating the displayed image around at least the Y-axis. By tracking the position of the user and altering the viewpoint of the projected image, the image can be automatically rotated to suit the user's viewing position. The soundscape can also be altered to match the currently displayed viewpoint. The viewpoint can be controlled by the user, who is effectively able to “explore” the moving image. To provide a three-dimensional display environment, the invention utilizes at least two stacked display layers, enabled by using stacked Transparent Organic Light Emitting Devices (TOLEDS), which are well known in the art. Color TOLED technology is itself stacked display technology, having multiple layers, each of a differing color, namely cyan, magenta, yellow and black or red, green and blue.

Abstract: A light guide for display devices of the head-mounted or head-up type comprises: a body of the light guide (22) at least in part transparent to visible light; a coupling device (24) associated to the body of the light guide (22) and designed to couple the body (22) to an optical system (18) designed to generate an image, the coupling device (24) being obtained in such a way that the light beams coming from the optical system (18) enter the body of the light guide (22) and propagate within the body (22) by total internal reflection; and an image-extraction grating, designed to extract the light beam that propagate in the body of the light guide (22) so as to enable an observer to visualize the extracted image against a background visible in transparency through the body of the light guide (22), wherein the extraction grating (32) is set in the proximity of one of the outer surfaces of the guide and has a saw-tooth profile, and wherein the extraction grating (32) is coated with a partially reflecting coating

Abstract: A system and a method of a three-dimensional color image display utilizing laser induced fluorescence (LIF) of nano-particles and molecules in a transparent medium are disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, a three-dimensional display volume contains three types (for red, green and blue color) of LIF nano-particles and/or molecules dispersed in a random, uniform fashion in a transparent, fluid like medium. In another preferred embodiment, a color image display system consists of at least two light sources each equipped with two-dimensional scanning hardware and a LIF display volume, a protective coating and at least two light sensors. The protective wavelength filtering coating blocks intense excitation light sources from harming image viewers while passing the LIF display light. The light sensors provide calibration and timing reference signals to maintain stable performance. A host of preferred fluorescence materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-way visual communication system using multiple imaging devices, and a method for operating such a device is described. An embodiment of the present invention may use an image processor to analyze and modify image data from one or more imaging devices, and from the far-end party, in order to improve the perceived level of eye contact experienced by the users. The output signals from the imaging devices may be individually selected for transmission to the far end party, or may be used in combination in the synthesis of a composite image, using information derived from the imaging devices and/or from the image of the far-end party.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes a frame and plural support portions held by the frame, the support portions for holding objects to be displayed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display apparatus includes an image display configured to output image light which arrays a plurality of pixels and has polarization, a lens array arranged in front of the image display, configured to function as lens at light which has a 1st polarization direction, and not to function as lens at light which has a 2nd polarization direction differed from the 1st polarization direction, and a birefringent phase modulator placed between the image display and the lens array and configured to rotate a polarization plane of the image light.

Abstract: A device for reproducing a three-dimensional image with a background, which device reproduces a three-dimensional image standing out from a background picture. The device includes a white-color point light source array and a color transmission spatial distribution filter having a function of specially weighting intensity and color of light. These components reproduce a three-dimensional image by generating a group of light rays which can be seen as if a three-dimensional color object standing out from the background picture is actually present. Color and/or intensity weights are imparted to the color transmission spatial distribution filter, except for a transmission portion thereof, such that the background picture of the three-dimensional image can be seen at the vicinity of the white-color point light source array or the color transmission spatial distribution filter. The device can be applied to standing-out displays, standing-out signboards, and wall-mounted show windows.

Abstract: A novel three-dimensional (3D) volumetric display device is disclosed. The 3D volumetric display device of this invention includes a microlens array and an electrical control device for controlling the depth position of individual volume points within the 3D volumetric image. The display device of this invention displays 3D images that may be observed without the use of eyewear. The display device of this invention may further provide for monochromatic or full color 3D displays having a large depth of field. Moreover, the display device of this invention may provide for compact and lightweight 3D displays and may be suitable for many portable electronic applications.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device including at least one transmissive light-emitting display panel and a second light-emitting display panel located behind the transmissive panel. Each of the transmissive and second light-emitting display panels has patterned conductors each extending in a horizontal or vertical direction. Each patterned conductor includes a plurality of light-emitting portions and a bus line extending in the horizontal or vertical direction and bridged and connected to the light-emitting portions so that the light-emitting portions of patterned conductors are arranged in two dimensions. Each light-emitting portion includes a light-emitting layer made of an organic compound exhibiting electroluminescence. Each patterned conductor is formed into a zigzag.

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; and 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. A floating-image generator may also be included 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.

Abstract: A digital drive apparatus has a memory cell array. Each memory cell includes a storage section that stores a supply of data therein and that is capable of keeping output corresponding to the stored data, and a transfer element that is capable of transferring the data to the storage section. The memory cell also has an address terminal that supplies an address signal to the transfer element, a data terminal that is connected with the transfer element and supplies the data to the storage section via the transfer element, and an output terminal that outputs the data stored in the storage section. The memory cell further includes a reset terminal that supplies a reset signal, which sets the output of the storage section to a predetermined state, to the storage section regardless of the data previously stored in the storage section.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) display device, which continually moves the slits and shading barriers laterally (independent of the positions and movement of viewers) and displays the corresponding parallax images, which are designed and calculated according to the positions of the slits, that provides high resolution 3-D spatial graphics and animations with a wide viewing angle, so multiple viewers can see the regenerated 3-D image floating in space without wearing glasses and helmets.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image of an object to be displayed, through a superimposing of a plurality of images of the object, which are placed so as to be apart from each other on a line of sight of an observer, comprises: the first display unit; the second display unit; and a bonding member. The first display unit has a first screen. The second display unit is disposed so as to face the first display unit. The second display unit has the second screen, which is light-transmissible. The bonding member connects the first display unit and the second display unit with each other. The bonding member has a light transmission property and is a bonding agent with which a space between the first display unit and the second display unit is filled.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a display unit and a optical filter. The unit has pixels arranged in a matrix form, which are groped into a first group and second groups to display two-dimensional image information constituting elemental images, the image information being obtained from different directions. The optical filter has a first optical opening opposed to the first pixel group and second optical openings opposed to corresponding one of the second pixel groups. The center of the first pixel group is coincident with the axis of the first opening, each center of the second pixel groups is deviated from corresponding one of the second opening axe, and the deviation is gradually increased depending on a distance between the first and the second pixel group centers. The light rays are directed to a reference plane from the first and second pixel groups through the first and second opening axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image of an object to be displayed, through a superimposing of a plurality of images of the object, which are placed so as to be apart from each other on a line of sight of an observer, comprises a plurality of display units and a display image control unit. The display units are disposed in tandem on the line of sight. Each of the display units comprises at least one screen section for displaying at least one image of the images. The display image control unit displays a screen section-adjustment image on each of the display units, to enable the three-dimensional image to be displayed, in case where the observer is placed in a predetermined observation position.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a stereoscopic two-dimensional picture includes a display unit having a flat image display screen for displaying a two-dimensional picture containing a stereoscopic image; and an image transmitting panel placed parallel to and apart from the image display screen. The image transmitting panel has a microlens array of a plurality of lenses and an effective area larger than that of the stereoscopic image contained in the two-dimensional picture, and a lens frame area surrounding a perimeter of the effective area of the microlens array. The image transmitting panel generates an image-formation plane for displaying a real image of the two-dimensional picture in a space located on an opposite side to the display unit with respect to the microlens array.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device in which at least two light-emitting display panels of a light permeable type are arranged in parallel in a normal direction of the front surface of the device, and a semi-transparent member is provided for reducing light emission from a light-emitting display panel located in the front to the other display panel located in the rear, preventing display images from blurring.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image displaying device includes a front display unit and a rear display unit. The front display unit includes at least one transparent display screen. The display screen includes a plurality of organic electroluminescent elements. A spacer is provided between the front and rear display units.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus comprises (i) a deflector to deflect a light beam from a video projector in a plurality of directions, (ii) image processing means to process image information and comprising an input to receive raw image information from an image source, a processor to process the raw image information into processed image information, and an output to output processed image information to the video projector, and (iii) a controller that controls operation of the processor of the image processing means according to the status of the deflector.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a three-dimensional display device, an image generation device, an image specification device and a control device. The three-dimensional display device has a plurality of display surfaces. The image generation device generates images to be displayed on the three-dimensional display device. The image specification device enables at least part of an image, which is displayed on the three-dimensional display device, to be specified. The control device controls the three-dimensional display device to display, of the images generated, an image portion specified by the image specification device, on one of the plurality of display surfaces and display, of the images generated, an image portion, which is not displayed on the one of the plurality of display surfaces, on another display surface of the plurality of display surfaces.

Abstract: A plurality of light direction detectors are provided on an image display screen and the position of a light source in the real space is detected so as to give a shadow to a display object within a display image by seasoning three-dimensional image data with these items of information.

Abstract: This invention provides a polarization means capable of obtaining an always clear three-dimensional image easily, correctly, and quickly and a position holding mechanism. A polarizing plate has areas for the left eye and the right eye where respective polarized lights separated by a first half wave plate enter. A second half wave plate for rotating the polarized lights in a direction opposite to that of the first half wave plate is disposed on an image display surface side for the right eye side area of the polarizing plate. A polarizing plate fixture with an arm part for holding the polarizing plate in a predetermined position is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a stereoscopic video display that enables a viewer to recognize a more real stereoscopic video.

Abstract: A small-sized electronic apparatus is provided which, in the case of use as a watch, can be manufactured at a low cost but with the same thickness, size, weight, etc., as a conventional watch and which includes various sensing means for switching and for shutter opening/closing. Display shutout control means 10 accepts a switching signal from switching means 9 and a closing signal from a timer control circuit 14, and issues a control signal. The control signal is fed to a liquid crystal shutter 13 which uses a liquid crystal panel arranged above an information display part 80, to perform opening/closing of the shutter.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display system which includes a processor and a display device is described. The processor parses a left eye image of a stereoscopic image into a plurality of vertical left eye strips and parses a right eye image of the stereoscopic image into a plurality of vertical right eye strips. The processor then combines the left eye strips and the right eye strips into a display image by interleaving the left eye strips with the right eye strips. The display image is provided to the display device, which includes a lenticular layer which acts as a light guide to steer light from each of the left eye strips and the right eye strips to no more than one corresponding eye of a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, such that the viewer can perceive the display image as having three-dimensions without using special goggles, glasses, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that allows a number of 3D volumetric display or output configurations, such as dome, cubical and cylindrical volumetric displays, to interact with a number of different input configurations, such as a three-dimensional position sensing system having a volume sensing field, a planar position sensing system having a digitizing tablet, and a non-planar position sensing system having a sensing grid formed on a dome. The user interacts via the input configurations, such as by moving a digitizing stylus on the sensing grid formed on the dome enclosure surface. This interaction affects the content of the volumetric display by mapping positions and corresponding vectors of the stylus to a moving cursor within the 3D display space of the volumetric display that is offset from a tip of the stylus along the vector.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image display apparatus capable of presenting a stereoscopic image of a desired planer image includes an input operating unit for designating an image of a desired portion of the planer image, and a stereoscopic display control unit for displaying, on a stereoscopic display screen, stereo-pair images corresponding to the image of the designated portion by the input operating unit. The stereo-pair images are prepared in advance corresponding to the image of the designated portion. Alternatively, the stereo-pair images may be automatically generated for the partial image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for graphically presenting periodic data is disclosed herein. One embodiment includes generating a surface based on the periodic data, the contour of the surface corresponding to the amplitudes of the plurality of data points. At least one area of the surface can be visually differentiated from another area of the surface. A rendering mode, viewing orientation, and/or an area of interest associated with the surface can be prescribed and updated in real-time or quasi real-time.