Abstract: An image display system can include a shaped screen, a mirror image of an item stored in an electronic format, a presentation component, and an attachment mechanism. The shaped screen can have one surface with a diffraction grating. The shaped screen can correspond to the shape of an item to be displayed and can be made of a substantially transparent material. The presentation component can be configured to present a simulated-holographic image of the item upon the shaped screen. The mirror image can be visually projected upon the shaped screen, where the light of the projection is dispersed by the diffraction grating to substantially simulate a three-dimensional holographic image from the two-dimensional mirror image.

Abstract: A floating image interaction device includes an imaging optical system projecting a floating real image of an object and an user object detecting means for obtaining information about the user accessing the floating real image; means to realize interactive response by the real image or by haptic feedback to actions by the user; and related computer programs.

Abstract: A method of producing a Pepper's Ghost Illusion comprising using a reflective and semi-transparent foil formed from a polymeric composite, the polymeric composite including a flame retardant.

Abstract: An optical system includes: a reflective imaging element; and a liquid crystal display panel disposed on a light-incident side of the reflective imaging element, the liquid crystal display panel having a display surface which is inclined with an angle of no less than 45° and no more than 75° relative to a plane defined by the reflective imaging element, a viewing angle dependence of a contrast ratio of the liquid crystal display panel taking a central value in a direction inclined by 10° or more in a direction of tilt of the display surface from a normal of the display surface, and causes an image displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display panel to form an image at a position of planar symmetry with respect to the reflective imaging element as a plane of symmetry.

Abstract: A plenoptic projector device includes an array of laser radiation sources each configured to project a light beam along a ray. An array of reorientable mirrors, each of which is optically coupled to one or more of the laser radiation sources of the array, deflect the ray of each of the laser radiation sources. A controller synchronously reorients each of the reorientable mirrors to sweep a sector in space by each of the rays. A modulation circuit modulates intensity of the beam of each of the laser radiation sources. The projector device is configured to reproduce at least three independent dimensions of a four dimensional light field.

Abstract: A projection apparatus is provided which is portable and scalable in size, and comprises a first projection device to direct a first program material towards a planar viewing film which is at least partially transparent and at least partially reflective, and which is mounted at an angle with respect to the viewing plane of a viewer, so as to create a virtual image. A rear screen is arranged in the viewing plane, behind the viewing film so as to exhibit second program material from a second projection device. The first program material and the second program material are edited and synchronized one with the other so that the virtual image is interrelated with the second program material on the rear screen, and provide an enhanced simulated 3D viewing.

Abstract: A display assembly for displaying a virtual image of an object with occlusion and contrast. The display assembly includes a virtual object display selectively displaying an image at a virtual object plane. The display assembly includes a mask generation screen assembly with a screen element operable in a first state in which the screen element is transparent to visible light and in a second state in which a portion is opaque. The screen element is positioned proximate to the virtual object plane. The opaque portion of the screen element corresponds in size, shape, and location to the displayed virtual object image to provide a mask for the virtual image. The screen element may include a projectable mask screen opaque in regions exposed to a predefined type of non-visible light. The non-visible light may be ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light selectively provided by a UV or IR projector.

Abstract: A floating image display device includes an object, and a light reflecting optical member for reflecting displayed light from the object to a viewer. The light reflecting optical member comprises a structure in which micro mirror units each having first and second light reflecting sides are arranged in matrix. The light reflecting optical member reflects the displayed light by the first and second light reflecting sides at two times to form a mirror image. The light reflecting optical member comprises a first assembly and a second assembly. Each of the first and second assemblies is constructed by arranging a plurality of longitudinal members each having one light reflecting side such that all of the light reflecting sides are oriented in a same direction. The first assembly and the second assembly are laminated onto each other with the light reflecting sides of the first assembly and the light reflecting surfaces of the second assembly intersecting with each other.

Abstract: A 3D projection apparatus comprises a projector, and an angular array of illumination optics coupled to an imager in the projector to create a plurality of views for an 3D image. An array of projection optics is coupled to the imager and a light source is coupled to the angular array of projection optics.

Abstract: A display device includes a flat panel display (object image generator) that generates an object image, a retrotransmissive material (imaging element) that has an element surface tilted with respect to an image generation surface of the object image generator, reflects light emitted from the object image located at one side of the element surface twice, and forms the object image as a real image in a plane-symmetrical location with the element surface in a space at the other side of the element surface, and a diffusion angle limiting film (diffusion angle limiting member) that limits a diffusion angle of light from the object image generator toward the imaging element within a predetermined angle range.

Abstract: Three-dimensional information is presented directly on the surface of a target three-dimensional object without using a display device such as a display monitor and an HUD. Spatially coded light patterns are projected from two projectors on a target object surface. The light projected from the two projectors are added up on the object surface to produce unified color and luminance. On the object surface, light is simply added up, so that a pattern whose color and brightness correspond to distance and height appears. Hence, a distance to an object or a three-dimensional shape of an object can be highlighted by the color and brightness presented on the object for perception by human beings.

Abstract: A multi-projection system having a plurality of projection surfaces onto which images are projected is provided, where the plurality of projection surfaces are disposed on two or more sides not parallel to each other. The multi-projection system provides high three-dimensional images and a high degree of immersion in images and further provides multi-view images, thereby making theater customers feel like they really exist in the space described through the images.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for determining position and orientation with respect to a display device. In particular, the invention is directed to acquiring an observed image from a display device using a pointing device, and calculating pointing device position and orientation using the acquired observed image and a displayed image on the display device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying three-dimensional (3D) images using motion parallax are described. Images are projected onto a reflector with a rippled or faceted surface. The reflected images are viewed at a plurality of viewing locations and a different image is perceived according to the viewing location.

Abstract: A virtual-sunroof system for providing a virtual sunroof at an interior of a vehicle for viewing by a passenger of the vehicle. The system includes a virtual-sunroof imaging device configured and arranged at the vehicle to collect image information from an environment above the vehicle and create digital image data using the image information. The system also includes a virtual-sunroof projection device configured and arranged in the vehicle to be in communication with the virtual-sunroof imaging device for providing a virtual sunroof display. The virtual sunroof display provided (a) is viewable above a head of the passenger, (b) is formed using the image data, (c) represents accurately at the interior of the vehicle a rendition of the environment above the vehicle, and (d) has a size, shape, and location corresponding generally to a size, shape, and location that an actual conventional-type sunroof would have in the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insuring the proper alignment of a detected vein pattern and a projected vein pattern are disclosed. The apparatus enhances the visual appearance of veins so that an error that can lead to improper patient care or injury can be avoided.

Abstract: A hologram projecting system includes a coherent light source for emitting a reference beam onto a real object; and an image sensor for receiving the reference beam and a scattered beam reflected from the real object, and recording a Fourier image of the real object. Also included is a modulator for receiving the Fourier image. The reference beam is passed through the modulator, and configured to interact with the Fourier image to form a virtual image of the real object. The image sensor includes an n×m pixel array, where n and m are numbers of rows and columns, respectively. The modulator includes an n×m pixel array corresponding to the n×m pixel array of the image sensor. The pixels in the n×m pixel array of the image sensor control transmissivity of light in corresponding pixels of the n×m pixel array of the modulator.

Abstract: To provide a space image forming element realizing higher reflectance and larger area by making aperture ratio and transmittance higher and a method of manufacturing the same, thereby realizing high reflectance and, as a result, formation of an image having high brightness in the air. In a space image forming element of the present invention, a light transmission region is configured by a transparent pattern formed by exposure process using a transparent resist. By forming a metal layer between adjacent transparent patterns, a mirror-face region is formed in the interface between a side wall of the transparent pattern and the metal layer. The metal layer has a two-layer structure. The second metal layer is formed by electroplating using the metal in the first layer as an electrode.

Abstract: A light ray controller has a circular frustum shape and is fitted in a circular hole of a top board such that its large diameter bottom opening faces upward. The light ray controller transmits a light ray while diffusing the light ray in a ridgeline direction and transmits the light ray straightforward without diffusing the light ray in a circumferential direction. A rotation module is provided under the table. One or more scanning projectors are provided on a circumference around an axis of the light ray controller on the rotation base of the rotation module. One or more scanning projectors are rotated by the rotation module. The controller controls one or more scanning projectors being rotated based on three-dimensional shape data stored in a storage.

Abstract: A light field display for generating glasses-free, continuous 3D images is provided. The light field display has a horizontal retro-reflective display screen with a microstructured surface having an array of narrowly-spaced, ninety-degree microstructures, and a vertical diffuser having an array of narrowly-spaced, randomly-patterned microstructures. The vertical diffuser is joined to the horizontal retro-reflective display screen to form a light field display for use in front-projection display systems.

Abstract: An apparatus projecting or displaying images to a viewer. The apparatus or Pepper's ghost system projects or displays an image stream onto a reflective element with a first surface receiving and reflecting a portion of light associated with the image stream to the viewer and a second surface opposite the first surface. The apparatus includes a cleaning assembly including an air supply providing a volume of flowing air and an ionizing mechanism for receiving the flowing air and outputting an ionized air flow. The ionized air flow is directed over the second surface of the reflective element. The reflective element is positioned at a non-vertical display angle. An outlet of the cleaning assembly is positioned adjacent an upper edge of the reflective element, and the ionized air flow is output from nozzles as laminar air flow with a flow rate chosen to mitigate dust collection on the upper second surface.

Abstract: A display device includes a projector, a Fresnel lens converting a projected light from the projector into a nearly parallelized light, a screen with light reflectivity on which an image by the projected light from the projector is generated, and a retrotransmissive material forming another image of an image located on one side of an element plane in a position in a space on the other side of the element plane such that the image and the other image are symmetric with respect to the element plane. The retrotransmissive material forms an image by a light that has obliquely entered the element plane, such that a position from which the light has obliquely entered the element plane and a position in which the image is formed are symmetric with respect to the element plane, and thereby forms a real image of the image on the screen.

Abstract: A 3D display system using a planar sheet of mist or water droplets as a rear projection screen. The system includes a screen generation assembly with a nozzle configured to convert supply water into a screen of water droplets. The screen is substantially planar and has a front surface facing a viewing area and an opposite rear surface. The display system includes a projection assembly projecting 3D content onto the rear surface. The projection assembly includes a first projector projecting left eye images and a second projector projecting right eye images. The 3D content may be provided using polarization or other 3D technology. For example, the first projector includes a first interference filter and the second projector includes a second interference filter differing from the first interference filter, whereby the left and right eye images are presented concurrently on the rear surface with differing bands of the visible color spectrum.

Abstract: A display device includes: a wall defining a viewer-side space; an observed object arranged in an object-side space partitioned off the viewer-side space by a portion of the wall; an imaging optical system of real specular image including a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry for defining the viewer-side space and the object-side space as the portion of the wall to image a real image of the observed object in the viewer-side space with light passing through the substrate; a screen surface having a function of diffuse reflection and provided with the substrate so as to face the viewer-side space; and a projector optical system projecting an image on the screen surface in the viewer-side space.

Abstract: For illuminating an object and generating a light image, e.g. for presentation of the object, an illumination assembly comprises a reflective part for illumination and a diffractive part for generating the light image. A light source such as a LED Light source is used for generating the light.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting a space image in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a receiving unit configured to receive the space image; a display unit configured to display the space image and to emit light; a control unit configured to control the display unit to display the space image; and a projection unit configured to allow the light to permeate or reflect the light and to project the space image

Abstract: A multimedia presentation system a projector to project images toward an audience. A plurality of nozzles are partially submerged in a body of water at locations between the projector and the audience. The plurality of nozzles are located at different distances from the projector. Each of the plurality of nozzles is arranged to produce a fan like water mist onto which the projector projects images. A controller is coupled to the projector and the plurality of nozzles. The controller causes the projector to project images and at least one of the plurality of nozzles to produce a water mist in a synchronized sequence such that the images appear at different distances from the projector at different times. The controller may further control the orientation of each nozzle to vary the distance by inclining the plane of the water mist relative to the surface of the body of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for displaying images, and for implementing volumetric user interfaces. One exemplary embodiment provides a system comprising: a light source; an image producing unit, which produces an image upon interaction with light approaching the image producing unit from the light source; an eyepiece; and a mirror, directing light from the image to a surface of the eyepiece, wherein the surface has a shape of a solid of revolution formed by revolving a planar curve at least 180° around an axis of revolution.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for projecting a 3-D viewable image onto a display surface, comprising the steps of, providing two or more projection systems; arranging the two or more projection systems into a first group and second group, wherein the first group and second group each comprise one or more projection systems; arranging the first and second group of projection systems such that each group of project systems can project an image on a display surface, wherein the first group of projection systems is arranged such that the first group of projection systems can project an image to a first position on the display surface and the second group of projection systems is arranged such that the second group of projection systems can project an image to a second position on the display surface, wherein the first and second positions are off-set from one another; configuring the first and second group of projection systems such that the first and second group of projection sys

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to display a highly reproducible three-dimensional image in response to changes in the viewer's position and to easily realize the miniaturization of the system. The three-dimensional image projector includes a projection image forming disc in which a hologram recording medium is formed along a disc-shaped glass substrate, and which projects image light having directivity by causing the image light to fall incident on the hologram recording medium, and a rotational drive unit for rotationally driving the projection image forming disc along a surface of the glass substrate with the center point on the surface as a rotation center. The projection image forming disc is preliminarily recorded with a hologram by causing two laser beams as reference light and object light to simultaneously fall incident on the hologram recording medium.

Abstract: A multi-viewpoint floating image display device enabling observation from multiple viewpoints by combining mirror images of objects to be projected and spatially separated from one another as real images in a small region in space. The display device comprises a multi-viewpoint floating image display optical system having real mirror imaging optical systems each of which forms a real image of each of the objects in a plane-symmetric position symmetric to the object with respect to one geometrical plane which is the symmetry plane. All the real mirror imaging optical systems are so arranged that the angle formed by given symmetry planes is less than 180 degrees on the real image side with respect to the symmetry planes. The objects are so arranged as to correspond to the respective real mirror imaging optical systems.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display portion having a screen that can display an image; and an image forming substrate formed into a plate, wherein the image forming substrate are configured to be switchable between a first state where the screen is arranged to be inclined with respect to the first main surface such that light from the screen enters the image forming substrate from the first main surface side and forms the image on the second main surface side and a second state where the display portion and the image forming substrate are aligned in the thickness direction and are arranged along each other.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus includes a projector, a frame, and a partially transparent screen. The frame retains the screen under tension, such that the screen is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the projector. The screen has a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the projector is reflected therefrom. The projector projects an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen, the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projection device for holographic reconstruction of scenes, said device comprising at least one light modulator device and at least one light source which emits sufficiently coherent light for the generation of a wave front of a scene, which is encoded in the light modulator device. A Fourier transform (FT) of the light which is emitted by the light source and modulated by the light modulator device is projected by a projection means on to a screen. Further, the wave front which is encoded on the light modulator device is projected by the projection means into at least one virtual observer window in an observer plane. For tracking the observer window according to a change in an eye position of the at least one observer, the inventive device comprises at least one deflection means, which is disposed between the light modulator device and the screen.

Abstract: A near-eye display projects virtual images from an image generator to an eyebox within which the virtual images can be seen by a viewer. A first optical path conveys image-bearing light from the image generator to a selectively reflective powered optic and a second optical path conveys the image-bearing light along a line of sight from the selectively reflective powered optic to the eyebox. First and second selectively reflective surfaces fold the first optical path with respect to the second optical path to locate the image generator out of the line of sight to the eyebox. The image generator is effectively inclined to the line of sight to the eyebox for reducing a thickness of the near-eye display. The selectively reflective powered optic is oriented normal to local overlapping portions of the first and second optical paths at the selectively reflective powered optic.

Abstract: A method disclosed herein relates to displaying three-dimensional images. The method comprises projecting integral images to a display device, and displaying three-dimensional images with the display device. Further disclosed herein is an apparatus for displaying orthoscopic 3-D images. The apparatus comprises a projector for projecting integral images, and a micro-convex-mirror array for displaying the projected images.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus includes a projector, a frame, and a partially transparent screen. The frame retains the screen under tension, such that the screen is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the projector. The screen has a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the projector is reflected therefrom. The projector projects an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen, the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen.

Abstract: A dual-screen system and method for projecting contents of different formats are disclosed. The system includes a first screen for viewing content of a first format and a second screen for viewing content of a different format. Both screens are independently movable along a rail between respective viewing and stowed positions, with the respective viewing positions for the screens each being set at a given distance from a projector and having a fixed spatial relation to an audience area. Such a system facilitates the projection and viewing of content having different formats by allowing each screen to be accurately positioned in a repeatable manner, thus reducing the need for equipment re-adjustments when changing from one screen to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus and a display method that enable multiple users to view high resolution moving images from various viewing points of the users. A light-control screen 25 is rotated, and projectors 211 to 21N irradiate the screen 25 from various directions with light rays corresponding to image data captured from those directions. In this case, when the forward direction of the light-control screen 25 is aligned with the projecting direction of one of the projectors 21n, an image corresponding to light rays emitted from the projector 21n is displayed on the light-control screen 25. The present invention may be applied to a display apparatus for displaying images.

Abstract: A light surface display for providing a three-dimensional image having a volumetric display, a first projection system, and a second projection system. The first projection system projects electromagnetic energy into the volumetric display sequentially along the length and width of the volumetric display in a series of 2D image slices. The second projection system projects electromagnetic energy in a series of slices along the depth of the volumetric display. Particles intersected by the first and second wavelengths form illuminated two-dimensional cross sections at specific locations in the volumetric display.

Abstract: A multimedia player for providing two projection images is provided. The multimedia player for displaying two projection images includes: a first projection unit displaying a first projection image; and a second projection unit displaying a second projection image. The first projection unit includes: a first driving unit controlling an operation of the first projection unit and providing an image signal on the first projection image to be displayed; a first light source unit; a first light modulation device outputting the first projection image by modulating light provided from the light source in response to the image signal of the first projection image; and a first projection lens unit magnifying and projecting an image that is output from the first light modulation device. The structure of the first projection unit is the same as that of the second projection unit. The multimedia player further includes a screen sensing unit sensing a color of an area in which an image is to be displayed.

Abstract: A display system for use in winter and other low temperature venues. The system includes a projection screen generation assembly that includes a snow making machine. The snow making machine receives an input flow of a liquid, such as water plus one or more additives to increase opacity and/or reflectivity of the snowflakes. The machine forms snow from the input flow and discharges a volume of flowing snow as a sheet or curtain providing a projection screen. The system includes a high-brightness projector directing light onto the projection screen to provide an image on surfaces of the flowing snow. In some embodiments, the snow making machine includes a nozzle configured such that the flowing snow is output in a substantially planar sheet, e.g., with the use of a diffuser or the like for increasing the laminar nature of the flow and the sheet may be relatively thin.

Abstract: A 3-D virtual display system that provides a compact display device which utilizes a small object to be projected. The 3-D virtual display system has a housing with a front panel having an opening, first and second opposing side panels, a display object, a mirror disposed diagonally within said housing facing said display object, a rotating motor, the display object is attached to the rotating motor adjacent to the front panel and the first side panel, a Fresnel lens covering the opening of the front panel and a light source disposed within the housing for illuminating the display object. The display object is illuminated by the light source and projects via the mirror and the Fresnel lens a virtual three-dimensional image outside the housing. The display system can provide an audio component that may be recordable by the user. The display system is capable of accepting a removable advertising faceplate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical imaging and specifically to methods and systems for generating observable real images. The method consists of steps in configuring an image source and optical components, and defining the position of an observer in such a way that a binocular observation leads to a perception of a three-dimensional object being located in front of a background, and/or “hanging in mid-air” in front of an apparatus designed in accordance with the present invention. Particular embodiments of the invention may include various apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: A mobile studio for producing video and audio content includes a vehicle having a body mounted on a chassis. The body includes a studio chamber enclosure formed by a floor, a ceiling, spaced opposite outer side walls and spaced outer front and rear walls, and the floor includes a stage area. The mobile studio further includes at least one LED lighting assembly located in the studio chamber enclosure that is suitable for providing sufficient illumination for image capture such that a captured image is suitable for projection as a Pepper's Ghost image, at least one camera to capture an image of a subject on the stage area and generate the captured image, and a communications device to transmit the captured image.

Abstract: An assembly and method of generating a Pepper's ghost illusion involving an image generation platform, such as a computer providing an anamorphically-distorted image coupled with some form of display projects an image, directly or indirectly on a spherical medium. The spherical medium reconstitutes the anamorphically-distorted image and generates a Pepper's ghost illusion of the reconstituted anamorphically-distorted image.

Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of assembling three-dimensional display apparatus, comprising the steps of: providing a support unit comprising a projector mounting and a screen mounting surface with a first aperture therethrough; providing a screen unit, the screen unit comprising a diaphragm and an inflatable screen affixed thereto, the diaphragm defining a second aperture in communication with the interior of the inflatable screen; bringing the screen mounting surface and the diaphragm into contact so as to align the first aperture with the second aperture; and securing the support unit to the screen unit to thereby create a seal between the support surface and the diaphragm around the first and second apertures, wherein the seal is sufficiently gas tight to enable inflation of the screen.

Abstract: A method of producing a Pepper's Ghost Illusion comprising using a reflective and semi-transparent foil formed from a polymeric composite, the polymeric composite including a flame retardant.

Abstract: A 2D/3D switchable display system is disclosed having a selector for selecting a two-dimensional (2D) or a three-dimensional (3D) image processing path. A first processor processes image data through the two-dimensional image processing path; a second processor, independent of the first processor, processes image data through the three dimensional image processing path. An important feature is the provision of a first set of at least three emitters having corresponding first wavelengths, and a second set of at least three emitters having corresponding second wavelengths. A controller that during a 2D operation activates both first and second sets of emitters to present a single image, while during a 3D operation activates the first set of emitters to present a first image having one half of stereo image information and activates the second set of emitters to present a second image having a second half of stereo image information.