Abstract: A voice activated headset imaging system and elements thereof enable hands-free imaging. Hands-free imaging in some embodiments of the invention comprises receiving by a headset assembly a voice command and executing by the headset assembly an imaging control instruction generated in response to the voice command. Execution of the imaging control instruction involves an operation such as activating an object pointer, capturing an image, deleting a captured image or downloading a captured image.

Abstract: A windshield having a windshield body and a specific area, which is arranged at a part in a longitudinal direction of the windshield body and is formed into a curved surface having a curvature different from the curvature of the windshield body, is provided. The specific area is formed into a round shape in a plan view. The specific area has a projection area, on which a display light of an image displayed on a display device mounted in a vehicle is projected and the projection area is formed into a curved surface for displaying the projected image in a desired shape and is arranged outside of a surface of the windshield body, and a connection area, which is arranged around the projection area and is formed into a curved surface for continuing to the projection area and the windshield body. By using the windshield, the projection area can be formed into the windshield without an extra deformation.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: A head-mounted camera of the present invention includes the following elements. A first image pickup device includes a first photographing optical system that can change the focal distance and a CCD for converting a subject image formed by the first photographing optical system into an image signal. A see-through image display portion displays a photographic frame indicating the photographic range as a virtual image so that it is superimposed on a subject substantially directly observed by a photographer. A remote controller includes a second operation switch for setting the visual angle of the photographic frame when viewed from the photographer. A controller/recorder includes a first CPU for setting the focal distance of the first photographing optical system so that the visual angle of the photographic frame set by the second operation switch coincides with the field angle of the first image pickup device.

Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle includes a first video display for providing an image projection to a rearview mirror of the vehicle, and a second video display mounted behind the first video display. A camera can provide an image feed to the first video display, and the second video display can display media content such as DVD media.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a driving assistance system capable of displaying a picked-up image near a vehicle as a less-distorted image on a monitor. A driving assistance system according to the present invention comprises an imaging means (2) for picking up a surrounding image of a vehicle (1) on a road surface, an image translating means (3) for executing an image translation by using a three-dimensional projection model (300), which is convex toward a road surface side and whose height from the road surface is not changed within a predetermined range from a top end portion of the vehicle (1) in a traveling direction, to translate the image picked up by the imaging means (2) into an image viewed from a virtual camera (2a), and a displaying means (4) for displaying an image translated by the image translating means (3).

Abstract: An arrangement has a computing unit which is connected to a memory unit, an operator control device and a display device. The computing unit displays, on the display device, a first operator control display which is read out from the memory unit and is composed of at least two display elements, evaluates an operator control operation which is performed by means of the operator control device, and reads out a second operator control display, assigned to the operator control operation, from the memory device. In order to improve the ability to perceive the relationship between the first and the second operator control displays, at least one of the display elements from the first operator control display is also contained in the second operator control display (150), the at least one display element in the first operator control display differing from the second operator control display in at least one of its display properties.

Abstract: A video mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and a video display screen module. The video display screen module may have a metallic enclosure and at least one of (a) a polarizer film and (b) a brightness enhancing film, and includes a liquid crystal display panel that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes. The video display screen module is fixedly disposed to the rear of the reflective element or near the reflective element or is extendable from a position at the rear of the reflective element to a position near the reflective element. The video display screen module, when activated, displays video images viewable by the driver and having a driver-viewable display luminance of at least about 700 candelas per square meter when viewable by the driver during daytime viewing.

Abstract: An in-vehicle image correcting device for correcting an image picked up by a near-infrared camera ahead of one's own vehicle in which an obstacle is difficult for a driver to visually recognize captures the image picked up by the near-infrared camera; and corrects the image captured by the image capturing means so that a density of a pixel having a higher density than an obstacle density representative of the density of a pixel corresponding to the obstacle becomes lower than the obstacle density. In this configuration, the image picked up by the near-infrared camera is corrected so that the obstacle can be easily recognized.

Abstract: A vehicle vision system displays a vehicle pathway image that includes a reticle for visually identifying the in-path portion of the image. A reticle array is disposed between a video camera chip and a lens, and includes a conical or frustro-conical region of substantially un-attenuated light transmissivity surrounded by a region of perceptibly attenuated light transmissivity, such that in-path portions of the displayed image are substantially unchanged and out-of-path portions of the displayed image are perceptibly attenuated. The reticle array may also include a number of reduced transmissivity lines traversing its conical or frustro-conical region to produce a series of receding stadia lines in the in-path portion of the displayed image, enabling the driver to reliably discern the range of displayed objects.

Abstract: In a night vision arrangement for a motor vehicle in which a camera captures an infra-red image of the roadway in front of the vehicle, a video signal generated by the camera is processed by a signal processor so that the field of view of the image displayed by a display unit is selected in accordance with a control signal. The control signal is generated by a signal generator which is responsive to one or more parameters of the movement of the vehicle. The width of the field of view may be decreased with increasing speed. The axial direction of the field of view may be adjusted depending upon the nature of a turning movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A common lens HMD is shown and described. The use of a common lens in a biocular or binocular helmet mounted display (HMD) system provides a means to manipulate light rays from an image(s) which are traveling from two or more separate upstream optics trains to the helmet visor and onward to each eye, with fields of view which overlap at the midpoint of the visor. The common lens changes the optical paths of each individual ray going to a single eye, and changes the corresponding ray traveling to the other eye in a mirrored fashion (i.e. with the opposite component in the Left/Right direction).

Abstract: A system for generating an on-screen display (OSD) is described. The on-screen display, which has a semitransparent background area, is overlaid on top of an image. The data which make up this image are stored in a buffer. An accumulator, connected to the buffer, is used to examine this data, and store information about it. An attached OSD module used the stored information to automatically adjust the semitransparent background of the OSD.

Abstract: An image composition system includes an HMD (100) having a right-eye camera (110), a left-eye camera (111), a right-eye LCD (130) and a left-eye LCD (131) for displaying a real image, and the like, and an information processing apparatus (300) for generating another image different from the real image. A composite image obtained by superimposing the other image generated by the information processing apparatus (300) on the real image captured by the right-eye camera (110) and left-eye camera (111) is displayed on the right-eye LCD (130) and left-eye LCD (131). The display region of the other image is determined based on the position and posture of the head of the user who wears the HMD (100). The user can observe the other image superimposed on the real image at an appropriate position while wearing the HMD on his or her head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a camera and display screen to provide a vehicle operator with an image of all or part of the area surrounding the vehicle. A camera is attached to the vehicle that is in communication with a display screen viewable by the operator. A system for inverting the image from the camera makes the image more readily understandable to the operator when the operator is looking forward and the camera is pointed backward. The camera and display screen may be wired into a vehicle network. The network may comprise many other devices for added convenience and functionality. Many other advantages can be added to the basic system, for example an operator controlled zoom, automatic changes of camera angle, quick-release components, magnetic security keys, and the like.

Abstract: A system for projecting a virtual image within an observer's field of view comprises a support element, a transparent element mounted on the support element and suitable for being placed in front of the observer's eyes, the transparent element comprising a first face and a second face, an image display device suitable for forming an additional image, and a projection and focusing device for projecting the additional image in a manner such as to present it superimposed on the image of the outside world. The display device comprise light-emitting devices disposed on one of the faces of the transparent element, and the projection and focusing device comprise optical elements associated with respective emitting devices and arranged on the other face. Each of the optical elements creates a virtual image of the emitting device associated therewith. The virtual images of the emitting devices together form the additional image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle vicinity image-processing apparatus and a recording medium capable of deducing a scene having left the field of vision of a camera mounted on the rear of a vehicle and drawing an image of the area behind the vehicle which includes this deduced part. An image-processing unit 5 first coordinate-converts a picked-up image to create a bird's-eye view image. Two chronologically consecutive bird's-eye view images are created as the bird's-eye view image, and a matching area of the two images is extracted. On the basis of this matching area, a moved area which has left the present field of vision of the camera 1 is extracted. An image of the matching area and the moved area is then drawn on a monitor 3. By this means, it is possible to draw an image including a scene which has left the present field of vision of the camera 1.

Abstract: A machine-tool production machine is disclosed, with a workspace that can be viewed by an operator through a window or transparent pane, whereby the window or transparent pane can be used with a projection unit as a head-up display for displaying information for the operator. The device provides the operator with a simple, cost-effective and clear representation of information about the manufacturing and production processes as well as other processes running on the machine.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying at least one of images and data in a vehicle has a projection unit and a display surface, the projection unit being arranged on at least one of a vehicle roof and on a vehicle inside mirror. The display surface may be used to display a real image generated by the projection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in image display, of projecting a light beam onto a retina of a viewer, to thereby allow the viewer to perceive an image, is disclosed. The apparatus is constructed to include: a light emitter emitting a light beam; a scanner scanning the light beam emitted by the light emitter; an optical system receiving the light beam scanned by the scanner as an incoming light beam, and emitting the received incoming light beam as an outgoing light beam, such that, upon modulation of the light beam with respect to a traveling direction of the light beam, the outgoing light beam is directed to a pupil of the viewer; and a curvature compensator compensating a wavefront curvature of the incoming light beam.

Abstract: A vehicle-useful, high-resolution 3D-detection of the environment of a street vehicle with environment scanning sensors is not possible today. Depending on application the first commercially available vehicle integrated systems may be a comprise between resolution of the sensors and size of the sampled area. With the inventive two dimensional distance resolution sensor device it becomes possible, in contrast to those which are known, to produce a system which, installed in a street vehicle, detects and preferably processes complex dynamics scenarios such for example street traffic, from the prospective of the active dynamic moving vehicle. Therein a three dimensional image of the environment is produced using a distance sensor, which produces a two dimensional distance profile (depth profile), and on the other hand, using a data processing and a storage unit, which process and store sequential distance profiles and sequence a series of distance profiles into the three dimensional image of the environment.

Abstract: Various embodiments involving structures and methods for illumination can be employed, for example, in projectors, head-mounted displays, helmet-mounted displays, back projection TVs, flat panel displays as well as other optical systems. Certain embodiments may include prism elements for illuminating, for example, a spatial light modulator. Light may be coupled to the prism in some cases using fiber optics or lightpipes. The optical system may also include a diffuser having scatter features arranged to scatter light appropriately to produce a desired luminance profile. Other embodiments are possible as well.

Abstract: A location determination device (104) is worn on a user's head to facilitate searching and tracking for another individual carrying a portable radio (102) as well as locating exit routes. At least two antennas (108), a monopulse receiver (110) and a display are integrated into the location determination device (104). Location determination device (104) scans for an incoming signal (106) from the portable device (102) and coverts the signal into angular location data. The location data and egress information are displayed to the peripheral vision of the user of the location determination device (104).

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: An improved multiple-sensor vision system for use on vehicles or aircraft. The system utilizes a plurality of fixed sensors, such as infrared sensors, that provide signals that are recorded on tape and/or stored in memory. A processor digitally samples the stored images and provides output to a helmet-mounted display. Desirably, the sensors are arrayed in series such that their images may be juxtaposed and blended to provide a wider field-of-view image. A tracking system desirably monitors the head position of the operator, which position is then used to select various images from the processor. In this way, the operator can select various views by simply looking in that direction. In one embodiment, the array of sensors is forward-looking and positioned close to the head position of the operator to minimize parallax issues. In addition to forward-looking sensors, other sensors mounted around the vehicle/aircraft may provide rearward, hemispherical, or complete spherical coverage.

Abstract: The invention is a method for displaying otherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (the mixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses a motorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on that mount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking, and the size of its field of view, the computer can precisely overlay computer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera. The method may be used to present to a user such items as existing weather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents this information to the user by combining the computer generated images with the user's real environment. These images are presented in such a way as to display relevant location and properties of the object to the system user.

Abstract: When multiple cameras (CAM1) to (CAM8) for shooting the periphery of a local vehicle are mounted on the vehicle, and when obtained camera images are to be synthesized to display a synthesized image on the screen of a display device (16), the pixel data for the camera images constituting the synthesized image are compensated for, so that differences in the pixel data for adjacent camera images is reduced. For example, the pixel data are corrected so their values equal the average values of the pixel data for the adjacent camera images. Therefore, an easily viewed image, produced by synthesizing the images obtained by the multiple vehicle cameras, can be displayed on the monitor device (16).

Abstract: A system for tracking a gaze of an operator includes a head-mounted eye tracking assembly, a head-mounted head tracking assembly and a processing element. The head-mounted eye tracking assembly comprises a visor having an arcuate shape including a concave surface and an opposed convex surface. The visor is capable of being disposed such that at least a portion of the visor is located outside a field of view of the operator. The head-mounted head tracking sensor is capable of repeatedly determining a position of the head to thereby track movement of the head. In this regard, each position of the head is associated with a position of the at least one eye. Thus, the processing element can repeatedly determine the gaze of the operator, based upon each position of the head and the associated position of the eyes, thereby tracking the gaze of the operator.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system for detecting radiation and producing a detected image signal. A signal processor compares the detected image signal with predefined data representing objects expected to be imaged, and produces an output signal based on the predefined data when sufficient similarity is found between the detected image signal and the predefined data. In some embodiments, the signal processor replaces the detected image signal with the predefined image data. In other embodiments, the signal processor combines some or all of the detected image signal data with the predefined image data. In still other embodiments, the signal processor first modifies the detected image signal data, e.g., by replacing portions of it representing electric lights with discrete dots located at the centers and/for locally maximum intensity values of the lights, and then combines the modified image signal data with the predefined image data.

Abstract: A method for displaying otherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (the mixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses a motorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on that mount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking, and its field of view, the computer can precisely overlay computer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera. The method may be used to present to a user such items as existing weather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents this information to the user by combining the computer generated images with the user's real environment. These images are presented in such a way as to display relevant location and properties of the object to the system user.

Abstract: The invention is a method for displaying otherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (the mixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses image parameters (such as field of view, focus, aperture, and shading) that affect the real world view as captured by a camera. The camera may have a motorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on that mount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking and the additional image parameters, the computer can precisely overlay computer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera such that the appearance of computer-generated imagery is consistent with the image of the real world. The method may be used to present to a user such items as existing weather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents this information to the user by combining the computer generated images with the user's real environment.

Abstract: A see-around type head mounted display device is disclosed, which includes a display panel displaying an image restored from an image record medium, and tilted bar prism optics (TBPO) internally reflecting the light emitted from the display panel in total, and generating an enlarged virtual image in front of an observer.

Abstract: An image acquisition and display assembly 12 for use upon a vehicle 10 and which includes a pair of substantially identical cameras 14, 16 which are adapted to receive images of objects 50, 52 or portions of the vehicular ambient environment 27 located in the front of and/or along the sides 24, 26 of the vehicle 10 and of objects 28, 30 or portions of the vehicular ambient environment 27 located in the rear and/or along the sides of the vehicle 10. The assembly 12 may include a pair of movable mirror assemblies 34, 36 which selectively and respectively communicate with cameras 14, 16, thereby allowing the cameras 14, 16 to receive the desired and previously delineated images.

Abstract: A system for tracking a gaze of an operator includes a head-mounted eye tracking assembly, a head-mounted head tracking assembly and a processing element. The head-mounted eye tracking assembly comprises a visor having an arcuate shape including a concave surface and an opposed convex surface. The visor is capable of being disposed such that at least a portion of the visor is located outside a field of view of the operator. The head-mounted head tracking sensor is capable of repeatedly determining a position of the head to thereby track movement of the head. In this regard, each position of the head is associated with a position of the at least one eye. Thus, the processing element can repeatedly determine the gaze of the operator, based upon each position of the head and the associated position of the eyes, thereby tracking the gaze of the operator.

Abstract: An object (3) is imaged and, after image processing, an image is displayed on a head-mounted display (10) in front of the eyes of a user of the display. The display (10) is constructed with two display modules (13, 14) for displaying the image, designed to be positioned in front of each eye within a limited section of each eye's field of vision, the display modules being arranged each to show a separate image and being designed to leave the field of view free towards the surroundings at least downwards and to the sides of the user. The display modules (13, 14) are advantageously arranged to show two different images, one in front of each eye, so that the user experiences a stereoscopic image with a perception of depth in a part of his field of vision at a predetermined distance in front of his eyes.

Abstract: The invention is a method for displaying otherwise unseen objects and other data using augmented reality (the mixing of real view with computer generated imagery). The method uses a motorized camera mount that can report the position of a camera on that mount back to a computer. With knowledge of where the camera is looking, and the size of its field of view, the computer can precisely overlay computer-generated imagery onto the video image produced by the camera. The method may be used to present to a user such items as existing weather conditions, hazards, or other data, and presents this information to the user by combining the computer generated images with the user's real environment. These images are presented in such a way as to display relevant location and properties of the object to the system user.

Abstract: A system to warn an automobile driver of an approaching emergency vehicle includes at least one sensor (18) located in the motor vehicle (12), the sensor being responsive to sense the alert-status signal from the emergency vehicle and to provide an output signal indicative thereof, a control block (20) responsive to the signal from the sensor and operative to provide an output signal indicative thereof, visual indicia (16) associated with the face of the rearview mirror (14) and receiving the output signal from the control block, and an audio alert (22) also responsive to the output signal from the control block. The visual indicia include four indicia markers located at approximately 90 degrees from one another on horizontal and vertical axes visible on the face of the mirror to provide the driver with visual directional notification of the presence and location of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: A display device capable of analog and digital image display has a retaining circuit holding an image signal disposed for each of the pixel elements. In the memory operation mode, an output from an oscillation unit formed inside the display panel is supplied to the pixel element electrodes of the display. The on-resistance of an output transistor for the pixel electrode is higher than the on-resistance of thin film transistors of the inverters in the oscillation unit. In the memory operation mode, gate and drain lines are set at predetermined voltages and an output of a voltage booster circuit formed in the display panel is used as a reference voltage of the retaining circuit and used for switching a selection circuit selecting image display circuits.

Abstract: A head guide with a display is attitudinally controlled for guiding the head of a passive viewer wherein the display is for viewing images that are emulative of images viewed by a cameraman with head mounted cameras whose head attitude is monitored for controlling the head guide in synchronism with the images gathered by the cameras. Additionally, the viewer's eyes may be induced to follow a sequence of visual fixations at the same time as the passive viewer's head is induced to execute attitudinal movements consistent therewith.

Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle is proposed, which is used to display a virtual image on the windshield of a motor vehicle. The image is displayed by way of an image-forming unit which is arranged in an upper area of the windshield or in a region of the vehicle roof. The generated image is guided via a first aspherical mirror and a second aspherical mirror onto the windshield.

Abstract: The present invention is a head-mounted display device comprising a head holding holder that is proximate at least to the two sides of the head and to the front of the head, and a display unit that is deployed on that holder, at a position over either the left or right eye at the front of the head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a camera and display screen to provide a vehicle operator with an image of all or part of the area surrounding the vehicle. A camera is attached to the vehicle that is in communication with a display screen viewable by the operator. A system for inverting the image from the camera makes the image more readily understandable to the operator when the operator is looking forward and the camera is pointed backward. The camera and display screen may be wired into a vehicle network. The network may comprise many other devices for added convenience and functionality. Many other advantages can be added to the basic system, for example an operator controlled zoom, automatic changes of camera angle, quick-release components, magnetic security keys, and the like.

Abstract: For displaying a virtual image without hindering from seeing a front view, a display apparatus for a vehicle includes a storage device 21b for storing a distance information of superimposed viewing, the distance information indicating a distance between an obstacle in the view ahead a vehicle and the vehicle when the obstacle and, a virtual image of a picture projected on a windshield are viewed as a superimposed front view; distance measuring means 40 for measuring a distance between the vehicle and the obstacle; judging means 21a1 for judging whether or not the virtual image is superimposed on the obstacle; and control means 21a2 for stopping the projection of the virtual image when it is judged that the virtual image is superimposed on the obstacle.

Abstract: A mobile imaging system (100) for capturing images of an environment surrounding a user and transmitting those images to a remotely located recording device (108) is provided. The system includes an imaging device (110) adapted to be worn by a user, receive light, and convert the received light into video signals amenable for recordation by the recording device. A communication system (104) is adapted to couple the imaging device in signal communication with the recording device and transfer the video signals therebetween. A switch (106) is coupled to the communication system, the switch adapted to control both operation of the imaging device and the recording device. The imaging device may be attached to a support member (102) adapted to be worn upon a head of a user. A visual indicator (114) may be used to communicate to a user an operating status of the recording device.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a scanning assembly that scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern. A light source emits light toward the scanning assembly such that the scanning assembly simultaneously scans more than one of the beams. The light source is positioned such that its beam illuminates a discrete region of the image field. The image may be formed from a set of “tiles” where a single sweep of the scanning assembly scans a plurality of beams simultaneously. Various approaches to controlling the intensity of the light to compensate for variations in light source response or optical system response, or to balance the response of a tiles system are described. Among these approaches are scaling data in a buffer, active multiplication, or control of a D/A converter.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an indicating element which modulates or emits light as a pixel in accordance with image information. A displacement unit optically displaces a position of the pixel for each of two or more sub-fields constituting an image field corresponding to the image information. A projection unit enlarges the pixel and projects an enlarged pixel on a screen. A pixel-profile deformation unit changes an optical intensity profile of the pixel.

Abstract: A composite display apparatus keeps both optical density of display images formed by a display means and shutter speed of cameras such as a CCD in an optimum state relative to the external world light (see-through light), even in environments where the quantity of see-through light varies widely. The composite display apparatus includes a display optical system for guiding a light beam from a display means to the eyeballs of an observer; an image-pickup optical system for allowing an external light beam to form an image on an image-pickup means; and an optical path separating means provided in an optical path for allowing an ocular optical axis of the light beam of the display optical system entering the eyeballs of the observer, or an imaginary ocular optical axis which is an extension of the ocular optical axis, and an external world optical axis of the light beam entering the image-pickup optical system to substantially coincide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for displaying visual information, comprising: at least one image-forming element; at least one light source for generating a light beam, which in cooperation with the image-forming element produces an illuminated image; optical means for processing the light beam and/or illuminated image; and a projection surface for receiving the illuminated image, wherein the image-forming element is flat and the projection surface forms at least a part of a cylinder wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viewing and an image pickup optical system for display devices, which can be used with high efficiency at a plurality of wavelengths and enables bright images to be viewed with satisfactory color reproducibility. The optical system comprises a first prism 3, a second prism 4 and a volume hologram element 6 disposed between them and cemented to them. The hologram element 6 comprises a first grating vector corresponding to at least a first wavelength and a second grating vector corresponding to a second wavelength shorter than the first wavelength.