Abstract: An interactive three-dimensional (3D) pointing device for selecting points within a subject employs a tracking device which determines the position of the operator, a semi-transparent screen positioned by the operator and the subject and provides this information to a model workstation. The model workstation superimposes computer graphic images of internal structures of the subject on a the semi-transparent screen through which the operator is viewing the subject. The superimposed image is derived from image data either previously generated and stored or obtained with an imaging system. The images of the internal structures are registered with the operator's view of the external structures of the operator. The operator interactively views internal and external structures and the relation between them simultaneously, while moving the screen to select 3D target points at an image depth within the subject. Optionally other input devices may be used to identify current `target points` as selected points.

Abstract: A body device 2 has left and right display units disposed adjacent to both eyes of a user. A program cartridge 4 is detachably provided to this body device 2. The game cartridge 4 stores program data and image data for eye width/visibility adjusting picture display. The body device 2 reads the program from the program cartridge 4 and executes it immediately after the power is turned on or at the time when the game is temporarily stopped, and reads and refers to the image data to display eye width/visibility adjusting pictures in the left and right display units. Then, the user operates an eye width adjusting lever 201 and a visibility adjusting lever 202 on the upper surface of the body device 2 while watching the eye width/visibility adjusting pictures displayed in the left and right display systems. The space set between the left and right display units is thus adjusted. The visibility adjustment in the left and right display units is also achieved.

Abstract: A device for the substitution of an artificial image shown to an aircraft pilot by the corresponding real image includes a device for the simulation of human vision; criteria for the exploitation of the simulated image; compare to a device for comparing to compare the simulated image with the criteria of exploitation; a device for attenuating the artificial image, the artificial image being attenuated when the simulated image meets a given number of exploitation criteria.

Abstract: A new and improved display control system which includes a logic arrangement for causing auxiliary light information projected from a hand held light generating device upon a projected primary image to be integrated into the primary video image upon command from a user. A display control circuit causes the underlying primary image to be altered to include an accentuating image indicative of the path of travel followed by a spot of auxiliary control light as it is directed by a user via the hand held light generating device. A color control circuit responsive to user input commands enables the accentuating image to be displayed in one of at least eight primary colors. An erase control circuit also responds to user input commands to enable the user entered accentuating images to be deleted selectively individually or in total simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for achieving optical data protection and intimacy for users of computer terminals. The apparatus includes a searcher screen positioned in front of an optical system and adjustable to the user which communicates in a binocular manner with the user. A tactile contact surface with a sensor grid or raster arranged underneath is present below the searcher screen. A video camera is installed over the tactile contact surface, wherein finger movements of the user taking place on the tactile contact surface are copied by means of the video camera into a virtual image positioned on the searcher screen. The fingers, which are controlled by the user himself, are guided to particular positions of the virtual image, wherein given positions in a virtual image correspond to those on the tactile contact surface where the fingers are currently positioned, and the data input takes place via an associated sensor grid or raster by touching this position of the tactile contact surface.

Abstract: A vehicle data display device which draws the attention of the driver to a particular sector of the road scene, including an optical system that presents to the driver a reduced virtual image of the road scene embellished with a luminous signal. The luminous signal can be used to designate a target for the driver and can be under the control of an onboard driving assistance system. The vehicle data display device can be integrated into the steering column or dashboard of the vehicle and facilitates perception of driving assistance or navigational data without the driver having to turn his attention away from the road.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing, in response to successive image signals and a control signal, the successive images at various apparent distances. The relationship between accommodation and convergence may be preserved. The images may have a highly detailed component which has its image content changed according to changes in the direction of a monitored one or more visual axes. The images may be provided stereoscopically.

Abstract: An image display device having liquid crystal panels separately in right and left sides of a viewer, and capable of performing a common video signal display (2D display) and a stereoscopic display in field sequentially, is disclosed. The device comprises: a display mode switching unit for switching the above two display modes; an adjusting value switching unit for switching the adjusting value to a value set every display mode in synchronization with the display mode switching unit; and an image signal processing unit for processing image signals for various image qualities of the image signals in accordance with the adjusting value from the display mode switching unit; thereby displaying the image display signal subjected to the image signal processing suitable for respective display modes on respective image display elements.

Abstract: An eye movement tracking display comprises an image generator having wide view angle image generation means and narrow view angle image generation means and functioning to produce an image for display in a wearer's field of vision, an image display for displaying the image produced by the image generator to the wearer, and an eye movement detector for detecting movement of the wearer's eye. The image display comprises an image display panel for displaying a low-resolution image received from the wide view angle image generation means, image processing means electrically connected with the panel for erasing the portion of the low-resolution image displayed at the region of the panel to which the wearer's eye is directed, and an image transmission element positioned behind the image display panel for directing a high-resolution image received from the narrow view angle image generation means to the erased region of the panel.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a plurality of image display elements respectively assigned to different partial image information regions of an image to be displayed, and a hologram optical element for diffracting a plurality of light beams from the plurality of image display elements and displaying the diffracted light beams as continuous single image information. By including a plurality of image display elements, each of the image display elements having a large number of pixels, and a hologram optical element for forming a synthesized image by diffracting a plurality of image light beams from the image display elements, the hologram optical element diffracts the plurality of image light beams so as to display a synthesized image by interpolating information between pixels of a plurality of images to be synthesized.

Abstract: Optical viewing system for producing a simulated three dimensional image. The system includes electronic equipment for displaying an image on a first electronic display device. Additional electronic equipment is provided for displaying an image on at least one second display device. The at least one second electronic display device is a substantially transparent display device, whereby an observer can view through transparent areas of the second electronic display device. The first and second electronic display devices are located at different, predetermined locations along an optical viewing path such that the image displayed by the first electronic display device is projected through the second electronic display device. The first electronic display device includes an image projector and the second electronic display device includes a controllable pixel display spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time analysis and display of information to provide information which will enable a user to be continuously apprised of all objects within a predetermined radius from the user's location (a "sphere of interest") while at the same time establishing the user's position relative to a fixed reference system. The invention involves determining the location and orientation of the user relative to a fixed reference system (such as the earth), as well as the location and orientation of objects in the sphere of interest about the user. Display of this information is on a display format, which may be embodied on an optical medium such as a helmet visor, a heads-up display media, a projection surface or a user's eye.

Abstract: A vehicular extreme position display system displays a stereoscopic image of a three-dimensional object near a vehicular extreme position. The system provides different levels in brightness on the displayed stereoscopic image to enhance the stereoscopic effect. The displayed stereoscopic image may be arranged to change in color and brightness depending on monitored background illuminance. Further, the display of the stereoscopic image may be arranged to automatically terminate when a preset condition is matched.

Abstract: An object-oriented display system which displays an image of a graphical object on a display device, the position at which the object is displayed being a function of the position from which a viewer views the display device so as to simulate an interactive, three-dimensional viewing environment.An object-oriented display system, in which the highest discernible level of data in the frame buffer is an object with preserved association of pixels to the object allows dynamic selection of view. View position data may be employed on-the-fly to dynamically determine display from an arbitrary view position. Object data storage in tile format allows for rapid and simplified display generation.

Abstract: A head-mounted projection display system featuring a beam splitter displays a simulated environment to an observer using a light-weight, low-cost, head-mounted projector and a retro-reflective screen. The display system optically co-locates the projector with the observer's eyes for effective use of either curved or flat retro-reflective screens. High screen gain achieved by the head-mounted projection display system makes inexpensive projector sources such as a cathode ray tube feasible. An alternative head-mounted display system also incorporating beam splitters produces an unlimited horizontal field of view, but with limited binocular overlap, while using multiple head-mounted image sources for each eye. A method of providing the head-mounted display system also is disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive display system superimposes images of internal structures on a semi-transparent screen through which a surgeon views a patient during a medical procedure. The superimposed image is derived from image data obtained with an imaging system. An invasive device is also tracked and displayed on the semi-transparent screen. A ray extending through the invasive device can also be displayed which shows the intended path of the invasive device. The image is registered with the surgeon's view of the patient and displayed in real-time during a medical procedure. This allows the surgeon to view internal and external structures, the relation between them, the proposed path of the invasive device, and adjust the procedure accordingly. A second embodiment employs stereoscopic viewing methods to provide three-dimensional representations of the radiological images superimposed on the semi-transparent screen through which the surgeon views the patient.

Abstract: A computer input system for a computer generating images appearing on a screen. For the purpose of modifying the images appearing on the screen, a light generating device causes an auxiliary light image to appear on the screen. An image sensor responds to the auxiliary image, and a circuit responds to the sensor for causing auxiliary image information to be stored concerning the auxiliary light image. Another circuit responds to the stored auxiliary image information to supply the auxiliary light image information to the computer for utilization therein.

Abstract: An optical input arrangement and method includes an optical device for sensing a projected image and for detecting the presence of a high intensity optical input signal light by discriminating it from the entire projected image and the ambient light reflecting from a viewing surface. A determination is made as to when the differences in intensity of sequentially measured pixel intensity values of the light reflected from the viewing surface exceeds a positive threshold amount and substantially immediately thereafter decreases more than a negative threshold amount, to facilitate an even more precise discrimination between the input signal image and the overall projected image. An alignment device generates an optical signal for facilitating the alignment of the arrangement to capture the entire image reflecting from the viewing surface.

Abstract: The display apparatus for vehicles being reduced in reflection at the external light suppression prisms disposed on the surface of the display device and providing a bright display image, in which included are the display device and the external light suppression prisms consisting of first and second prisms being stacked together by directing the prism apex angles in opposite directions to each other and disposed close to the display surface of the display device, a reflecting member to reflect the display light emitted from the display device, which light has passed through the prisms, toward the viewing point of the driver, and a polarized direction rotating means being disposed between the prisms and the reflecting member for rotating the polarization direction of the display light by 90 degrees, whereby the display light is emitted as a P-polarization light with respect to the reflecting surface of the reflecting member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for introducing superimposed symbology from a CRT into a dimly lit scene being viewed through a viewing device by utilizing a very small mirror to reflect symbology from the source to the viewing device while minimizing the interference of the reception of light from the dimly lit scene by the viewing device, reducing the light from the source to a level consistent with that from the dimly lit scene and decreasing the aperture from the source so that the symbology remains in focus over a large depth of focus.

Abstract: A headup display apparatus consists of a projection optical system unit installed in the dashboard of a car and a reflection member on the windshield. The projection optical system unit contains an indicator and an off-axis reflective hologram which reflects display light of the indicator toward the windshield, which in turn reflects it toward the viewing point of a driver. As a result, the display is seen superimposed on the exterior view. When external light as from the sun enters the projection optical system unit traveling in a direction reverse to the path of the display light, the off-axis reflective hologram reflects the incident external light toward a direction different from that of the outgoing display light to minimize an abnormal illumination of the indicator surface which would otherwise render the display unrecognizable. Behind the hologram is installed a heat dissipating member that receives infrared rays that have transmitted the hologram in order to dissipate heat.

Abstract: A hologram structure for use in a holographic center high mounted stoplight system for a vehicle. The hologram structure includes first and second hologram layers laminarly secured to each other, each having a plurality of holographic lenses formed therein, each holographic lens being configured to diffract light into a predetermined solid angular region.

Abstract: A visual information system to capture an input image using a camera 22, manipulate the image using processor 28, and project the processed image using optics 33 to superimpose the processed image on the actual object being observed by a viewer. Processing is done in real-time to allow the viewer to see both the actual and processed images while the viewer moves and changes viewing angles. Areas of interest in the displayed image may be highlighted or include graphical information for the viewer.

Abstract: A glasses type head mounted display apparatus for seeing a virtual image through left and right lens systems provided with corresponding left and right display portions displaying left and right pictures, respectively. The display apparatus includes left and right slide mechanisms for moving the respectively left and right display portions on the main point axes of the lens systems and on segment lines through the central points of the left and right lens systems and focuses of the left and right lens systems so that the user sees through the left and right lens systems a virtual image synthesized with pictures of the left and right display portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for displaying a virtual image and for providing control over the "alpha channel" or transparency of the virtual image. The present invention uses a beam splitter to provide a virtual image to a viewer. Behind the beam splitter is a liquid crystal region for controlling the transparency of the virtual image. Behind the liquid crystal region is a background image. Control of the liquid crystal region is coordinated with control of the virtual image so as to make transparency and opacity of the liquid crystal region follow the portions of the virtual image that are intended to be transparent and opaque, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing, in response to image signals originating in an object space, mixed image signals for providing nonuniform resolution images for stimulating simulated active percepts for passive perception by a viewer in an image space. The images have a highly detailed component which has its image content changed according to changes in the direction of a simulated observer's eye position in an object space. The images may be provided stereoscopically. The images may be provided at various apparent distances and the relationship between accommodation and convergence may be preserved. Audio waves for directionally simulating that which would be heard by the simulated observer may be provided.

Abstract: An automotive display apparatus displays synthetically an ordinary information like a vehicle speed value and a warning information like a remaining fuel amount by using a half mirror as a close range view and a distant range view. A control means determines contents of the ordinary information and the warning information on the basis of input signals from a plurality of sensors. When the warning information is displayed, the warning information is provided at a position that the warning information overlaps with the ordinary information in the line direction of a driver's sight and the warning information is away from the ordinary information by a predetermined distance to enable the driver to notice and observe the warning information easily. At the same time, the ordinary information at the overlap portion of the ordinary and warning information in the line direction of the driver's sight is inhibited from being displayed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an interactive video game whereby players sit opposite each other and view the game and each other through a semi-transparent image generated in real-time through the use of a first-surface reflection. The present invention uses opposing Heads-Up Displays (HUDs). Using opposing HUDs, an image can be apparently suspended between two players. The surface on which the image is displayed has sufficient transparency to allow each player to see the other player along with the image. Thus, the players can interact during play allowing for a more enhanced reward in the experience. The effect could be further enhanced by the use of stereo glasses and a stereo-pair of images on the display such that the players see 3-D images on the playing "surface.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an image source displaying information and a magnifying mirror element reflecting the displayed information and projecting one or more images thereof viewable by the operator in one or more focal planes, the mirror element being partially light transmissive. A display data source is also provided so that, in a first mode, the display data is not visible and in a second mode the display data is visible to the operator through the mirror. A motor mechanism is operable to pivot the display between a stowed position and an unstowed operational position.

Abstract: A display system for aircraft for showing the attitude, particularly the rolling and pitching position or the flight path angle, comprising a windshield projection device (HUD "HEAD-UP DISPLAY") with devices for generating and displaying an airplane symbol, a symbol which is stabilized fixed to earth for the displaying of the position of the true horizon as well as for generating and displaying symbols for the rolling and pitching angle or of the path angle in the exterior field of view of the pilot as a function of the values measured by the corresponding instruments. In this case, a display of the attitude is generated by means of a reference symbol representing the airplane and an information symbol which changes with respect to the reference symbol in its position and shape--and is dependent on the rolling angle (.phi.) and pitching angle (.theta.) or path angle (.gamma.).

Abstract: A system for conveying information to an underwater diver wearing a mask. The information is conveyed via a field of view display system which places the information at the glance of the diver through the viewing window of the diving mask. Included are sensors for measuring the pressure in the dive tanks, for sensing the depth of the diver, and for sensing the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment. A microcomputer processes the sensed information and displays it to the diver as well as interpreting the information to provide advice such as safe assent rates which will allow the diver to avoid decompression sickness and the remaining safe dive time. The display placed within the field of view desirably includes an optical arrangement for placing an image of a visual array at a long focus distance, preferably at infinity, in relation to the eye of the diver and for magnifying the actual image of the visual array means such that the diver can readily observe the image of the visual array.

Abstract: A virtual image display system provides video displays based upon virtual images of the external world having synchronized structural outlines superimposed on the video displays to a pilot operating an aircraft such as a helicopter in non-visual flight conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying images comprising a display capable of displaying rendered imagery. The apparatus comprises a rangefinder coupled to the display which is capable of determining the distance from a viewer to the display. The apparatus further comprises a means for displaying an image upon the display, the image having a perspective such that the display is a projection plane of a perspective volume. A distance from the projection plane to a center of the projection is proportional to the distance from the display to the viewer, and the distance from the center of the projection to the projection plane is dynamically modifiable depending on the distance detected by the rangefinder. The display may be transparent so that a background scene may be visible with the rendered image superimposed upon it.

Abstract: A system for stereographic display in a computer system having a display medium has an image data file having data for right and left eye images encoded with visible signal data, so that when the right and left eye images are displayed on the display medium the corresponding visible signal is also displayed. A sensor senses the displayed visible signal and is coupled to glasses or goggles having right and left eye shutters. The right and left eye shutters open and close in response to the visible signal sensed.