Abstract: Rendering is executed under conditions corresponding to the distance of a target object to obtain stereo display data, by preliminarily controlling its conditions such as the position or orientation of two-dimensional image projection planes (A mode). Alternatively, the rendering is executed independently of the distance of the target object, and data thus obtained is subjected to an image conversion process to obtain the stereo display data (B mode).

Abstract: A holographic display system comprising left and right optical systems is disclosed. The optical systems each comprise an image display operable to display an input image and first and second holographic devices. The first holographic device is operable to project the input image to overlap with the input image projected from the other of the left and right optical systems to form a resultant image with a first aspect ratio. The second holographic device is operable to project the input image to overlap with the input image projected from the other of the left and right optical systems to form a resultant image with a second aspect ratio, different from the first aspect ratio. A method of changing the aspect ratio of an image is also disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual sound headset and method are provided for simulating spatial sound. The headset includes left and right headphones interconnected by a headband. Each of the headphones includes a hollow casing forming an interior chamber having an opening effective for receiving one of the listener's ears and a plurality of sound focusing assemblies mounted on the casing, with the assemblies being spaced apart from one another and in acoustic communication with the corresponding interior chamber. Each sound focusing assembly includes an electroacoustic transducer effective for reproducing sound in response to an electric input signal and a mechanical-acoustic means for mounting the electroacoustic transducer on the casing and for focusing the sound emanating from the transducer so as to simulate the directional orientation of the sound as perceived by the listener. The focused or directionalized sound is directed toward the pinna of the corresponding ear to allow spectral modification to occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display head-set device that includes a support member and a display-optics interface pod coupled to one of a left handle portion and a right handle portion of the support member. The display-optics interface pod houses an image display for viewing by a user. In one embodiment, the display head-set resembles a pair of eye glasses with the interface pod attached to one of the left handle portion and the right handle portion of the support member by an arm clip and extending into the field of vision to offer a monocular viewing sight to the user.

Abstract: An audio reproducing unit 2 has a audio signal processor 5 responsive to results of detection by a turning angular velocity sensor 16 for carrying out calculations for localizing the input audio outside the head of a wearer of a head attachment unit 15, for preventing the sound image orientation from following head turning movement and for setting the sound image orientation in a pre-set direction in the viewing/hearing environment of the wearer. The image reproducing unit 10 has an image signal processor 12 for setting the input image in a pre-set orientation in the viewing/hearing environment of the wearer responsive to the results of detection by the turning angular velocity sensor 16.

Abstract: A binocular display apparatus includes a left display unit for displaying a left-eye image, a right display unit for displaying a right-eye image, a left designator for designating the position of a left-eye specific area in the display plane of the right display unit, a right designator for designating the position of a right-eye specific area in the display plane of the right display unit based on a correspondence relation with respect to the position of the specific area, an evaluating section for numerically expressing images lying in the specific areas by use of image evaluation parameters, a calculator for calculating a similarity between the left-eye and right-eye images in the specific areas based on the numerically expressed two image evaluation parameters, and a modifier for modifying the right image based on the similarity S calculated by the calculator.

Abstract: Low-cost complex plastic optics allow biocular viewing of video images generated by a single electro-optic display device, such as in a head-mounted display (HMD) for commercial or medical viewing applications. A dual off-axis configuration uses nearly collimated illumination optics and intermediate imaging optics to fill both eyepieces from a single display device without the need for a beamsplitter. Multiple illumination schemes are provided for either monochrome or color, and in either two-dimensional or time-sequential true stereographic presentation. Light from multicolor sources is superimposed, mixed, and homogenized by mixing light cones with diffractive collectors. Offsetting color overcorrection and undercorrection of individual optical elements achieves overall chromatic correction with minimal optical element complexity. A wireless video signal interface eliminates excess cabling.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight dichoptic display system is provided. The system utilizes a single image generating device which alternately provides low resolution, wide field-of-view images with high resolution, narrow field-of-view images of a specific area of the same scene. The light radiated by the image generating device is linearly polarized. The polarized light passes through a controllable retarder, the retarder imparting a 180 degree phase delay to alternating scenes. Using a polarization sensitive beam splitter, the images generated by the display are directed to alternate eyepieces. Collimating optics are used to insure that the two images appear to be the same distance from the user, therefore enabling the user to properly combine the two images.

Abstract: A compact virtual image electronic display system is provided which includes a microdisplay for producing a source object, one or more magnification optics, and a distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting a distance between the one or more magnification optics and each other or a reflective surface, the magnification of the compound magnified image relative to the source object being dependent on this distance. The system may include a distance sensing mechanism for sensing the distance between the beamsplitting magnification optic and the reflective element and communicating the distance to a control mechanism which modifies the source object in response. The system can also include a control mechanism for causing the distance adjusting mechanism to adjust the distance in response to the source object produced by the microdisplay. The system can also include a user selectable input for modifying the source object.

Abstract: A collision warning system is for a head mounted display (HMD) (10) worn by a user, for example as the interface to a virtual reality system, to warn of nearby objects in the physical environment. A motion detector (30,32) detects positional changes of the HMD, which changes are reflected in changes of a displayed image viewpoint, and a comparator stage (38,40) determines whether the movement takes the user into a "prohibited" area. If so, a visual and/or audible warning is provided to the user via the HMD (10). In an embodiment, the display screens (18) of the HMD include liquid crystal display shutters (20) which are switched to a transparent state in the event of an imminent collision such that the user is not only warned of the danger but also able to see it without having to remove or adjust the HMD.

Abstract: An eyewear type viewer having left and right LCD panels for the left and right eyes is arranged so that both LCD panels are driven and controlled by a single LCD drive circuit and a single timing control circuit, to reduce the weight and cost of the viewer. The timing control circuit controls the timings of the left and right LCD panels synchronously by sending a common timing control signal to both of the left and right panels, or controls the left and right panels individually by producing a first timing control signal for the left panel and a second timing control signal for the right panel. The timing control circuit may include a comparator which receives a composite control signal composed of a first component representing a write/hold signal, and a second component representing a quasi vertical synchronizing signal, and which separates the write/hold signal from the quasi vertical synchronizing signal.

Abstract: A goggle type image display apparatus including left and right image display optical blocks, an optical block distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the left and right optical blocks, and a housing for containing the left and right optical blocks and the optical block distance adjusting mechanism. The left and right optical blocks and the optical block distance adjusting mechanism are removably mounted as a unit on a support frame within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual display including a high resolution miniature display compatible with VLSI technology and an optical system such as an optical magnifier used to enlarge the images display on the miniature display to be visible to the naked eye. The miniature display includes a VLSI backplane having an array of display elements monolithically formed with its driving circuit on a single crystalline semiconductor. Signal processing circuit or a microprocessor used to process image signals for the display may also be formed monolithically with the array and its driving circuit. The array may be designed using a silicon software compiler program to have randomly displaced elements or super-pixels for reducing image aliasing. The array may also be designed to have display elements positioned and scaled to compensate for the optical distortion introduced by the magnifier.

Abstract: A vision enhancement system and improved X-Y viewing table. The vision enhancement system employs an X-Y viewing table that provides a mount for a video headset, the video headset, a monitor, and an image processing system. The video headset includes a camera and a video display system and is configured to detachably engage the mount provided on the X-Y viewing table. The image processing system has at least one port for communicating with the camera and video display system of the headset and another port for communicating with the monitor. An X-Y table in accordance with the present invention may comprise a base, a sliding tray coupled to the base for supporting an item, such as a book or newspaper, having one or more lines of text formed thereon, and a headset mounting unit coupled to the base. The mounting unit is configured such that a video headset may be detachably mounted thereon, and such that the video headset is maintained in a fixed position and at a selected distance over the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of viewing pairs of perspective images of 3-D objects (i.e. stereoscopic image pairs) displayed from a CRT display surface in a time-multiplexed or field-sequential manner, and more particularly to a universal method of generating control signals for synchronously changing the optical state of liquid crystal (LC) shutter panels through which the time-multiplexed perspective images can be sequentially viewed in a substantially flicker-free manner by the left and right eyes of a human viewer, independent of whether the images are displayed on NTSC, PAL, VGA or SVGA styled CRT display devices.

Abstract: A position tracker wherein a base unit scans a selected path with electromagnetic signals. A remote unit whose position relative to the base unit is to be detected includes a sensor for detecting the signals from the base unit. When the scanning signals are detected by the remote unit, the remote unit transmits a response signal to the base unit. The base unit may calculate the angular position of the remote unit relative to the base unit by comparing the time intervals between successive response signals. By locating multiple base units in different positions, the position of the remote unit along multiple coordinate axes may be determined. By adding multiple sensors and response transmitters to the remote unit, the roll, pitch and yaw of the remote unit also may be calculated.

Abstract: An image display system stereoscopically reproduces a visual scene and includes an image display unit with a pair of LCD panels each starting its operation in response to a start pulse received every vertical field of an input video signal; a source of input video signals representing right and left stereoscopic video images every field; a circuit for generating right and left start pulses, which are mutually in an opposite-phase relationship, in synchronism with the arrival of the right and left video images; and a driver for driving the pair of LCD panels by the right and left start pulses. The image display unit is shaped into a virtual viewer incorporated in a ski-goggle type frame which is adapted to be worn on a user's head. The video images displayed on the two LCD panels are refreshed alternately to obtain a flickerless image without the necessity of employing any particular circuit or terminal.

Abstract: This specification discloses a displaying apparatus having a display emitting light, and an optical element formed by two holograms each having optical power and partially overlapping each other. The light from the display is diffracted by one of the holograms to be directed to an observer's left pupil, and is diffracted by the other hologram to be directed to the observer's right pupil.

Abstract: A display device includes a plurality of modulatable light sources providing a one-dimensional array of display-elements, and a scanning unit, carried or worn by the user, which causes the user to perceive the array as a two-dimensional image. The scanning unit is movable with respect to the array while still allowing the user to view the array as a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: A head mounted image display apparatus capable of performing a stereoscopical viewing, having first and second image display sections and displaying first and second images each having parallax on these first and second image display sections is disclosed.

Abstract: A viewing device for receiving video signals and generating corresponding images for viewing comprising a frame or support, adapted to be worn on the user's head, for example, a frame similar to a spectacle frame. The frame supports a pixelated LCD screen in front of each of the wearer's eyes. Respective optical systems located between the user's eyes and the screens allow the user to view the images generated as if they were at infinity. A light-transmitting microlens screen may be located in front of each LCD screen to produce an improved subjective viewing impression by "de-pixelating" the image.

Abstract: A binocular head mounted display unit utilizing a single display and binocular optical system is shown for projecting an enlarged image of displayed information in the direct line of sight and central field of view of each of the user's eyes, while maintaining the user's peripheral vision free from obstruction to allow the user to selectively focus on the virtual image or not. The binocular optical system directs the user's eyes inward at an angle that is natural for a person viewing an object at a distance that is less than infinity. Further, the binocular optical system automatically compensates for variations in the interpupillary distances of various users, wherein those variations may be as great as one inch. This head mounted display unit is suitable for a variety of applications, including virtual reality applications, as well as a display for a compact portable computer.

Abstract: A retina direct display device provides an observer with the display of a plane image or a stereoscopic image. The retina direct display device is, for example, incorporated with an acoustic device to constitute a television receiver. The retina direct display device comprises a visible light conversion means, a retina projection means and an eye movement tracking means. The visible light conversion means converts an input video signal to a beam of visible light. The retina projection means deflects the beam horizontally and vertically so that retinas are raster scanned through pupils of both eyes by the deflected beam. The eye movement tracking means detects the movement direction of the pupils and permits the direction of the beam emitted from the retina projection means to track the movement of the pupils based on the result of the detection.

Abstract: A video headset is worn comfortably on the head of a user, supported by a pair of spaced apart straps extending over the top of the head and across the lower back of the head. The rear strap may be counterweighted. A pair of headphone type speakers are supported on pivoted arms from a frame of the headset, so as to be swingably adjustable to accommodate ear position. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of LCD video displays are positioned above the level of the user's eyes, each with a beam splitter positioned in front of the eyes to reflect a portion of the light from the video screens to the user. The partially transmissive beam splitters allow the user to see through to the ambient scene beyond, increasing the comfort of the user in viewing the video. A transparent shield preferably is positioned forward of the video optics, with an adjustment under the control of the user for controlling the brightness of the ambient light.

Abstract: An automatic, voice-directional video camera image steering system specifically for use for teleconferencing that electronically selects segmented images from a selected panoramic video scene typically around a conference table so that the participant in the conference currently speaking will be the selected segmented image in the proper viewing aspect ratio, eliminating the need for manual camera movement or automated mechanical camera movement. The system includes an audio detection circuit from an array of microphones that can instantaneously determine the direction of a particular speaker and provide directional signals to a video camera and lens system that provides a panoramic display that can electronically select portions of that image and, through warping techniques, remove any distortion from the most significant portions of the image which lie from the horizon up to approximately 30 degrees in a hemispheric viewing area.

Abstract: A head worn image display device, particularly TV picture display device, includes a TV screen or an image holder, and optical elements for transmitting a light beam from the screen or image to the eyes. The essence of the invention is that the device comprises optical elements dividing the beam starting from the screen (4) or image into beam branches, and directing the beam branches towards the eyes of a user of the device; optical elements reflecting the beam branches into the pupils (14,15); and focusing elements arranged between the reflecting optical elements and the pupils, and/or between the dividing optical elements and the reflecting optical elements.

Abstract: A headset for operably disposing speakers and a visual display on the head of a wearer. The headset includes a beam extending over the vertex of the head for contacting the brow at one end and cooperating with a nape strap on the posterior end for adjusting the fit. Rigid arms extend from the posterior end adjacent the head to terminate in the vicinity of the ears. The arms include compressible compensators to substantially accommodate any size head therein. A visor is pivotally connected to the support beam adjacent the brow piece. The attachment of the visor to the support beam permits the visor to be disposed in a donning position away from the face or an operable position adjacent the face, without requiring a weight bearing surface on the face.

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 color active matrix display system allows random access of pixel electrodes. The control electronics is fabricated with the active matrix circuitry using single crystal silicon technology. The control electronics includes a random access data scanner and random access spec scanners. By selectively actuating pixel electrodes in the active matrix display region, compressed video information can be directly displayed on the active matrix display panel. Color stripes are used to generate sequential color systems to produce a color image from the active matrix display panel.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a method of driving the same comprising first and second XY-matrix liquid-crystal display panels provided with a switching device every pixel, and liquid crystal drives to supply video signals whose polarities are inverted every predetermined cycle to first and second liquid-crystal display panels so that the polarities of video signals supplied to the first and second liquid-crystal display panels simultaneously may be reverse to each other.

Abstract: A synthesized virtual image electronic display includes a microdisplay for forming a source object having an area less than about 100 mm.sup.2. A first stage magnification optic magnifies the source object to produce a magnified real image. A real image is projected on an image synthesizing optic. A second stage magnification optic provides a magnified virtual image of the magnified real image projected on the image synthesizing optic. The first and second stage magnification optics provide a combined magnification of at least about 20.

Abstract: A head-mounted display system for the viewing of video or other sources of imagery which comprises a mechanism allowing for a wide range of adjustments for presenting the display to the wearer. The head mounted display device is supported by a headband or other support structure with three independent adjustments giving the wearer a wide range of adjustment capability. One pivot adjustment is in a location in proximity with the ear, the other pivot adjustment is located in close proximity with the pupil of the eye, and a third adjustment allows for the display unit to be adjusted in or out from the wearers head so as to permit convenient use with glasses. The mechanism allows the display to be located within or outside the wearer's primary field of view by utilizing these multiple adjustment locations for the system. The display unit consists of viewing optics, fold mirrors, liquid crystal display devices, and a backlight unit.

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: Fiber-optic imaging bundles are used to transfer images of an object from an objective lens to a eyepiece mounted on a portion of the front surface of a spectacle lens. In one embodiment, the image from a single objective lens is split at the eyepiece end of the fiber bundle in order to present the image to both eyes; in another, each eye has its own objective lens, fiber bundle, and eyepiece for true stereo vision; in another, right and left images from two offset objective lens are selectively colored, as by a dichroic filter, and the two colored images are transferred through a single fiber bundle to a color separator.

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: A binocular head mounted display system is shown utilizing an aspheric lens in each of the user's right-eye and left-eye optical paths. The aspheric lens is formed with a number of concentric zones for controlling the distance at which an image of displayed information is projected from the user and to minimize distortions across the virtual image. The distance between each lens and its respective display is independently variable. Further, the distance between the optical system as a whole and the user's eyes is variable.

Abstract: In glasses for viewing stereoscopic images on a stereoscopic image display for displaying stereoscopic images by dividing a predetermined display screen into two to display a first and a second image which are viewed from different points on the divided display, a stereoscopic image can be observed without a sense of discomfort. Glasses for viewing stereoscopic images can be constructed which allow people to observe a stereoscopic image with less of a sense of discomfort by providing a sight-limitation frame for the right eye that allows only the right screen to be observed and a sight-limitation frame for the left eye that allows only the left screen to be observed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of displaying an object on right and left screens so that the object an be visually examined as usually seen by the naked eye. When visual examination positions of right and left displays (1, 2) are detected by eye cameras (3, 4), the visually examined object (WK) on the screens (1, 2) is specified on the basis of the detected visual examination positions. A position of the object (WK) on one screen (1a) is fixed and an entire image including the object (WK) is shifted on the other screen (2a) so that a position of the object (WK) on the other screen (2a) becomes the same to the fixed position on the one screen (1a). A processing is performed to darken a portion of the screen (2a) which is not displayed on the screen (2a) before the image shifting and is displayed on the screen (2a) as a result of the image shifting, and also to darken a portion of the screen (1a) corresponding to the darkened part of the screen (2a) so that the corresponding part is also darkened.

Abstract: A system for electronic imaging of a hemispheric field of view includes a camera for receiving optical images of the field of view and for producing output data corresponding to the optical images. The camera includes an optical assembly for producing images throughout a hemispheric field of view for optical conveyance to an imaging device or photographic film. The optical system assembly has lens components that selectively emphasize the peripheral content of the hemispheric field of view. An electronic imaging device within the camera or a film-to-digital date conversion system provides digitized output signals to input image memory or electronic storage devices. A transform processor selectively accesses and processes the digitized output signals from the input image memory according to user-defined criteria and stores the signals in output image memory. The signals in the output image memory can then be displayed according to the user-defined criteria.

Abstract: The optical viewing device for enhanced depth perception of images on a television screen comprises a hollow body of generally rectangular shape having a rectangular opening at the front, opaque sidewalls extending to the back of the device, and an open back. The sidewalls at the back opening are generally formed to provide a substantially light tight engagement with the face of a user. The front opening of the device is covered with one or two layers of mesh screen having the warp and weft diagonal to the rectangular opening at the front of the device. The optical viewing device is sized to locate the mesh screen three and one-half to four and one-half inches from the user's eyes for viewing a television screen at least eight feet from the user.

Abstract: A head-mounted image display apparatus which is capable of selectively displaying images of normal and wide sizes efficiently by utilizing approximately all the pixels of a display device without the need of removing an optical system and which provides a bright image at high resolution and is easy to handle. The head-mounted image display apparatus has an image display device (2) for displaying an image, and a projection optical system for projecting the image displayed on the image display device (2) onto an observer's eye. The projection optical system includes an anamorphic optical system which is composed of an anamorphic lens (3) and a cylindrical lens (4), for example. The anamorphic optical system is rotatable about the optical axis. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively observe two images of the normal and wide sizes by rotating the anamorphic optical system about the optical axis through 90.degree. in either direction.

Abstract: A stereoscopic video camera system uses a single objective lens system mounted at the distal end of a surgical endoscope. An electronic shutter is disposed within the optical path between the lens and a video camera/sensor. The shutter has left and right optical zones which are switched between opaque and light transmissive states in response to a drive signal which is synchronized both with the camera/sensor and with stereoscopic viewing glasses having switchable left and right viewing lenses.

Abstract: The instant invention is a display system that provides visual stimuli to a patient who is undergoing diagnostic treatment within a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The system utilizes a pair of lightweight fiber optic video glasses having a hollow chamber wherein a prism with mirrors splits a visual image supplied through a fiber optic cable connected to an LCD projector. The projector uses a series of lenses for coupling a signal received from a video interface which monitors the use of an external VCR or television utilizing a standard NTSC format video signal. The visual image is projected onto the inner surface of reflective lenses which allows the patient to view the image as well as see through the lens providing a HUD type display.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises left and right display panels arranged so as to be viewed separately by left and right eyes of a viewer. A three dimensional video signal is supplied to a drive circuit for the display panels such that image data from the three dimensional video signal is supplied alternately to the left and right display panels. The display panels are of a memory effect LCD type such that, when no image data is received by the display panel, the image data of the previously received field is maintained on display for providing `flickerless` imaging.

Abstract: A pair of infrared linked stereoscopic glasses (18) receives a train of short infrared pulses from a transmitter (26) of a stereoscopic imaging system (10). The rising edges of the infrared pulses are synchronized with the beginnings of the even numbered fields of a stereoscopic image displayed on a video display (14). In a stereo mode, the glasses provide a three-dimensional appearance because right and left liquid crystal cells (40 and 42) switch right- and left-eye pieces (20 and 22) between transmissive and opaque states synchronously with the even and odd fields of the stereoscopic image. In a flickerless mode, the right- and left-eye pieces are both essentially continuously transmissive. An optical state controller (36) is self-synchronizing in that a single pulse of the electrical pulse train signal will control the optical states of both the right- and left-eye pieces during a complete stereoscopic image.

Abstract: A portable or "lap-top" computer includes an associated head mounted display. The display is constructed in a manner similar to a pair of eyeglasses but with liquid crystal display screens replacing or forming a portion of the eyeglass lenses. The display screens can be either opaque or light transmitting, and can be hinge mounted to the glasses frame so that they can be swung up and out of the field of vision of the user. Specialized uses for the portable computer and head mounted display include a computer desk for secretarial workstations and the like, a research library workstation, and a moving map installation in an automobile or airplane.