Abstract: An apparatus for displaying images from a video projector. The apparatus includes a virtual projector screen assembly with an elongate screen element, such as a rod, that is mounted at one end to a base. The base is adapted for pivoting about its axis, arid a driver mechanism pivots the, base at high frequencies. During operation, the screen element oscillates between two edge positions with images projected from the projector being displayed on a side of the screen element facing or proximate to the projector. The two edge positions can be thought of as intersecting at the base and define a sweep angle (e.g., the angular difference between the two outer travel points of the screen element that is typically less than about 90 degrees). The driver may include a motor with an oscillating output shaft that pivots the base such as with a belt attached to the base.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method. The method comprises projecting multiple scenes simultaneously on a display screen in interlaced-fashion; and directing light for each scene to a distinct viewing zone defined spatially in relation to the display screen. A system comprising a display; and a lenticular mechanism coupled to the display and having a plurality of lens elements to direct light from the display into distinct viewing zones defined spatially in relation to the display is also provided.

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: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.

Abstract: An image display device makes it possible to easily display a stereoscopically two-dimensional image and to improve its direction effect. A display device includes a first display for displaying a first image on a first screen, an image transmission element that is set in a light path for a display light component of the first image and that transmits the display light component of the first image so that a real image of the first image is displayed on an image forming surface positioned at a space on a side opposite to the first screen as a stray image. Further, the display device includes a. controller for controlling the first display so that at least one icon out of a plurality of icons (A-H) is displayed as a stray image disposed along a virtual path with a predetermined shape set in a real space portion including the first mentioned space.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.

Abstract: A 3D image projection system has a display screen having an array of pixels, an array of pixel pyramids associated with the array of pixels, and a projector configured to project light onto the display screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating two identical images with matching geometry and luminosity from a single two-dimensional image or series of moving images whereby they may be projected simultaneously or sequentially along two axis at substantially equal focal distance from the projection screen by a single film or digital projector as a pseudo-stereoscopic pair of images.

Abstract: A stereoscopic projection system is capable of minimizing a distance between viewing zones without reducing a distance between image projectors. In the stereoscopic projection system, a projector array having a plurality of image projectors are arranged substantially along an arrangement direction perpendicular to a connecting line between a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, and a directional screen has a first characteristic axis aligned at an angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the projector array, and a second characteristic axis perpendicular to the first characteristic axis. Therefore, the directional screen causes a plurality of images projected from the projector array to be relatively widened along the first characteristic axis and relatively narrowed along the second characteristic axis.

Abstract: An optical system that projects a real image to a location in free space and includes one or more features located along the optical path that enhance the viewability of the real image. The optical system includes a converging element for converging a portion of source light so as to form the real image. One viewability-enhancing features is the use of a broadband reflector-polarizer having high transmitting and reflecting efficiencies. Another viewability-enhancing features is the use of polarizing elements having substantially matched bandwidth responses and/or comprising an achromatic design. An additional viewability-enhancing feature is the use of a wide-view film to increase the viewing angle of the image.

Abstract: An optical device can produce a virtual image visible from a vantage point. The device has one or more lenses, a source for producing light, and an internally illuminable, non-transparent display object. The source can produce light in the display object in order to internally illuminate the display object and cause it to predominantly radiate internal light. The lens(es) can project a virtual image of the display object. In some instances two or more devices with matching display objects may be used to project one virtual image of the display objects. Each device is angled in order to increase the field of view of the virtual image.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing aerial images is disclosed employing a combination of plastic spherical mirrors, beamsplitter polarizing filters, and light sources. An object to be displayed is illuminated, and its image is partially reflected by the beamsplitter to a focusing mirror and reflected to an aerial position. A polarizer prevents ambient lights or images from degrading or interfering with the aerial images. A clock radio, a personal television display counter, as well as animated mannequin versions are disclosed.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying an image of an object on a screen by using a projector includes a three-dimensional image display unit having a plurality of screens overlaid but spaced apart from one another, each of the screens diffusing and reflecting part of the light incident thereon and transmitting the remainder of the light, and an image projection unit having a plurality of projectors, each of the projectors is assigned to the corresponding one of the screens and projects an image of the object on the screen. The image projection unit displays a three-dimensional image of the object in the three-dimensional image display unit by projecting on the screens the shapes of the object in sectioning positions corresponding to the positions of the screens.

Abstract: A projection-type 3-D image display includes a light source, a single display element, an image shift member, a projection lens unit, and a screen unit. The display element produces an image using light emitted from the light source. The image shift member time-sequentially shifts the image. The projection lens unit enlarges and projects the time sequentially shifted image. The screen unit includes an image separation unit. The image separation unit separates the time sequentially shifted image into images for a left eye and images for a right eye. The projection-type 3-D image display can realize a 3-D image using a single projector by having the image shift member to sequentially shift the images produced by the display element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a projection apparatus and method. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a projection apparatus arranged to limit transparency of a virtual image when projected in front of a background projected image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device uses a curved transmissive screen and reflectors to minimize the space associated with the device when increasing the size of the three-dimensional image. By placing a physically driven background screen over the projected image and screen, excessively diffused reflection of the Fresnel lenses is eliminated. High-resolution real-time video images are provided as three-dimensional images by realizing three-dimensional images with enhanced perspective as if they are floating in space. According to one embodiment of the invention, a distortion of the three-dimensional image is minimized.

Abstract: An aerial display system comprising inexpensive optical elements and a high brighted LCD display or similar video image display types provides floating images in an inexpensive enclosure. In the aerial display system, either an anti-reflective acrylic plastic layer or a circular polarizer is disposed proximate and parallel to a beam splitter so that the focal point of the floating image is proximate to the plastic layer or polarizer. This image position yields both a wider field of view and wider perceived field of view.

Abstract: A virtual input element image projection apparatus couples a suitable lens and an optical element to increase the diverging angle of a virtual input element image or generate a plurality of portions of the virtual input element image that are coupled to form the complete virtual input element image without reducing diffraction efficiency. The projection distance for generating the virtual input element image may also be shortened.

Abstract: An aerial image projection device capable of generating an aerial image projection that is a combination of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional video images includes a housing containing the following: a first and a second video display device, a beam splitter, a spherical mirror and a polarizer. The first and the second video display devices, the beam splitter, the spherical mirror and the polarizer are optically aligned so that video images generated by the first and the second video display devices are projected by the spherical mirror as the aerial image projection. The first and the second video display devices include high bright superblack liquid crystal displays, and a polarizer is optically aligned so that images of a viewer are not reflected by and thereby projected from the spherical mirror.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which can display different text/image information depending on the viewing angle and the viewer, display a high reality three-dimensional image viewable from any direction and realize stereoscopic viewing without glasses or the like. The display apparatus includes a display unit having a view angle-limiting filter on its surface, a rotary mechanism to rotate the display unit and a control unit which implements control so that when the display unit, rotated by the rotary mechanism, is faced to each of plural directions, the display unit displays a different text/image content associated with the direction.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a half mirror for allowing light incident from the rear to pass through to the front and reflecting light incident from the front toward the front, a display section placed at the rear of the half mirror, an image pickup section for picking up an image of the user and generating user image data, an image data retention section for retaining a plurality of pieces of attachment member image data, an image combining section for combining the attachment member image data selectively read from the image data retention section and the user image data to generate combined image data, and an image display control section for displaying the combined image data on the display section.

Abstract: The application relates to a rear projector and a rear projection method. There is provided at least one projection screen, at least two beamers, each of the at least two beamers generating one view of a scene into at least one viewing direction and projecting the view onto the rear side of the projection screen, at least one switcheable diffuser which is switcheable between a transparent state and a diffuse state, wherein in the transparent state each beamer generates a different view of a scene, and wherein in the diffuse state the beamers generate one view of a scene.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotation mirror image display, which comprises: a driving means; a control unit for controlling at least one image and generating at least one image-control signal; a rotating member being continuously driven by the driving means and generating at least one mirror image; and at least one emitting module having a plurality of LEDs and disposed outside a rotating path of the rotating member; wherein the display with the mirror image is formed by way of rotating the rotating member and controlling the control unit to let the emitting module generate the mirror image.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a 3-D image has a projector, and a projection controller. The projector has a projection optical system, and projects a series of 2-D images on different projected-positions in a depth direction, in order, by using light passing through the projection optical system. Each 2-D image is formed on the basis of section-views of a 3-D object in the depth-direction. The projector repeatedly and successively projects the series of 2-D images so as to cause an afterimage-effect. In the present invention, the projection controller adjusts a projection-timing of the series of 2-D images, and controls the projection optical system in accordance with the projection-timing so as to focus each 2-D image and maintain a magnification of the series of 2-D images constant.

Abstract: An image display apparatus that can display three-dimensional-like images having a superior visual effect in a simple manner is provided. This image display apparatus is constituted by a projector 20 and a decorative display unit 10 comprising a light transmitting substrate having multiple colored dots arranged on one surface of the substrate and multiple light transmitting light converging elements arranged on the other surface of the substrate, at least a part of which is provided with an image formation means for forming an image from light projected from the projector 20. With this image display apparatus, a virtual image of the dots is formed on a plane different from the plane of the image projected on the image formation means to provide a three-dimensional-like visual effect. It is preferred that directivities of the arrangements of the dots and light converging elements of the decorative display unit 10 are identical to each other, and pitches thereof are different from each other.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic projection arrangement, comprising at least one projector and at least one filter array which has a multitude of filter elements arranged in columns and rows, in which arrangement bits of partial information from views of a scene or object are projected by the projector(s) onto a projection screen, where there bits of partial information are rendered on image rendering elements and, having passed one or several of the filter arrays, are made visible to at least one observer, and in which, as regards to propagation direction of the bits of partial information, the image rendering elements correspond with correlated filter elements in such a way that an observer will see predominantly bits of partial information from a first selection of views with one eye and predominantly bits of partial information from a second selection of views with the other eye, and thus will have a spatial impression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for displaying 3D images.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display having an improved 2D/3D mode switchable structure, including a display device to display an image, and a parallax barrier unit to transmit all incident light in a 2D mode and to separate a left-eye image and a right-eye image by forming a barrier in a 3D mode. The parallax barrier unit includes a polarizer to transmit light having a predetermined polarizer polarization direction, a first plane array including first and second birefringent elements, which change a polarization direction of light transmitted through the polarizer into a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, respectively, and a second plane array including third and fourth birefringent elements, which change a polarization direction of light transmitted through the first plane array into a third direction and a fourth direction, that is opposite from the third direction, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for projecting a three dimensional image. A projection system may include a holding tank for storing a reservoir containing a projection medium and a projector including a plurality of valves for projecting the medium from the holding tank. The projection system may also include an illumination device for illuminating the projected medium and a receiving mechanism for receiving the projection medium after illumination. The projection system may also include imaging data computation apparatus for computing layered imaging data, communication and control tools for communicating the layered imaging data to the projector in order to control valves for dispersing the projection medium, and an illumination control unit that controls an illumination device for illuminated the dispersed medium.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for providing a two dimensional image that will be perceived by the human visual perception system as a three dimensional image is disclosed. The system and apparatus preferably employ a transparent rear projection screen onto which an image of the at least one object to be displayed is projected. The at least one object moves at perceptual speed and preferably has highlights, comprising specular highlights, ambient lighting, shadows and reflections, consistent with its display location so that the human visual perception system perceives the displayed image as a three dimensional one. The method preferably comprises surveying the display site to identify important light sources and objects and to gather a reflection map which are both used to create the final displayed image.

Abstract: A 3-D display may comprise a rotating optical diffuser for displaying 3-D parallax images in specific substantially unidirectional viewing zones as the rotating optical diffuser rotates; and a projector for projecting images through the rotating optical diffuser.

Abstract: A projection-type 3-D image display device includes a single display element, a polarization conversion switch, a first image shifter, a second image shifter, a projection lens unit, a mirrored light tunnel, and a screen unit. The screen unit includes an image separation unit. The single display element emits light polarized in a first polarization direction according to an input image. The polarization conversion switch time-sequentially converts the first polarization direction of the light emitted by the display element into a second polarization direction. The first image shifter transmits the light having the first polarization direction to form a first image and refracts the light having the second polarization direction to form a second image. The second image shifter faces the first image shifter and is arranged apart from the first image shifter by a predetermined interval. The projection lens unit enlarges and projects the first and second images.

Abstract: A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner surface of a three-dimensional projection surface is disclosed. A compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from outside the properly constructed three-dimensional projection surface. The three-dimensional projection surface thereby allows more accurate and interesting and useful projections of images of three-dimensional objects thereon. Examples of things that can be represented on such a surface are celestial bodies and planets like the Earth and anatomical organs. Special geometric and spatial correction is optionally applied to create the desired image onto a three-dimensional projection screen. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes a two-dimensional display displaying a depthwise image, and a variable focal length micromirror array lens receiving light from the two-dimensional display and forming a corresponding image in the required location in space. Each depthwise image represents a portion of an object or scene having the same image depth, and the two-dimensional display displays one depthwise image at a time. The focal length of the variable focal length micromirror array lens changes according to the depth of the depthwise image being displayed. The variable focal length micromirror array lens has enough speed and focusing depth range for the realistic three-dimensional display.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing aerial images is disclosed employing a combination of plastic spherical mirrors, beamsplitter polarizing filters, and light sources. An object to be displayed is illuminated, and its image is partially reflected by the beamsplitter to a focusing mirror and reflected to an aerial position. A polarizer prevents ambient lights or images from degrading or interfering with the aerial images. A clock radio, a personal television display counter, as well as animated mannequin versions are disclosed.

Abstract: A system, device within a system, and a method for enhancing visual perception in a two-dimensional image is disclosed, providing the induction of retinal disparity in the viewer by a system and device with which the two-dimensional image is viewed. With fusion of the retinally disparate images of the two-dimensional image, the viewer experiences the enhancement of his or her visual perception in the two dimensional image, which includes enhancement of depth perception and enhancement in clarity perception.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: an image display unit including a display device having an image display surface that displays a two-dimensional image and a microlens array disposed in spaced-apart relation to the image display surface, the image display unit that displays a stereoscopic two-dimensional image by allowing the light emitted from the image display surface to form an image on an image forming plane in a space located on a side opposite to the display device with respect to the the microlens array; at least one switch; at least one illumination device that illuminates the space when the switch is turned on; and a controller that controls the display device to change the two-dimensional image displayed on the image display surface in accordance with an illuminating state of the illumination device.

Abstract: A 3D display may comprise a rotating optical diffuser screen; and a projector for projecting images through the rotating optical diffuser screen. The rotating optical diffuser screen may be structured to optically create an exit pupil, said exit pupil having a limited horizontal viewing angle for displaying 3D images in specific viewing zones as the rotating optical diffuser screen rotates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument panel for the operating state of a land, air or water vehicle, in particular for the cockpit of an airplane, comprising a number of display fields (13) for representing information, whereby, in order to provide an instrument panel, which may be produced and maintained in an economic manner, with realistic instrumentation, the display fields (13) are produced on a backlit sheet (11) by means of image projection and a mask (12) is overlaid on the backlit sheet (11), which comprises cutouts (14), congruent with the display fields (13).

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) display system using a variable focal length lens includes at least one two-dimensional (2-D) display device, configured to display at least one two-dimensional image. The display system also includes an array of micromirror array lenses optically coupled to the display device, each micromirror array lens of the array of micromirror array lenses placed at a different location with respect to the display device, configured to focus the at least one two-dimensional image from each different location to provide a three-dimensional (3-D) image. The advantages of the present invention include increased viewing angles and wide depth range of three-dimensional images.

Abstract: Device for displaying imagery three-dimensionally, which comprises a first image reproduction element having an image reproduction surface and a second image reproduction element having an image indication surface of reflective property. Those image reproduction and indication surfaces are in an opposedly facing relation with each other, such that an imagery reproduced and indicated on the image reproduction surface is reflected by the image indicating surface to form a reflected imagery which is viewed by the eyes of person as if it was a three-dimensional image. One or both of such image reproduction and indication surfaces may be curved to have convex and concave surface sides, wherein the concave surface side is formed to have diffuse reflective property. The convex surface sides respective of those two surfaces may be in an opposedly facing relation with each other. Preferably, such two surfaces may each be a screen of light-transmissive type.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic optical apparatus (10) for viewing a stereoscopic image comprising a left image to be viewed by an observer (12) at a left viewing pupil (14l) and a right image to be viewed by the observer at a right viewing pupil (14r). A left image generation system (70l) forms a left curved intermediate image near the focal surface (22) of a curved mirror (24). A right image generation system (70r) forms a right intermediate image near the focal surface of the curved mirror. A center of curvature of the curved mirror is placed substantially optically midway between the exit pupil and the left optical system (110l) the exit pupil of the right optical system (110r). A beamsplitter is disposed between the focal surface and the center of curvature of the curved mirror.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for projecting a three dimensional image. A projection system may include a holding tank for storing a reservoir containing a projection medium and a projector including a plurality of valves for projecting the medium from the holding tank. The projection system may also include an illumination device for illuminating the projected medium and a receiving mechanism for receiving the projection medium after illumination. The projection system may also include imaging data computation apparatus for computing imaging data, communication and control tools for communicating the imaging data to the projector in order to control valves for dispersing the projection medium, and an illumination control unit that controls an illumination device for illuminated the dispersed medium.

Abstract: When any observer receives an image of a scene having the same relative size, shape and location on the retina of each of his two eyes at any instant and the image of the scene has some component of horizontal motion in any direction, the image viewed is three dimensional. If the motion occurs, all scene-object points are spatially located in playback since all of the original ray angles between camera and scene points are reproduced for both eyes by the ray cross-overs at the scene image points. When successive frames are presented, the brain cognizes the motion in linking the frames by persistence of vision. For the brain to perceive an item as moving it must connect these frames, but because of intersecting rays coming from any spatial location in successive frames, the brain cannot connect the frames without also locating the points in space.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing an image includes a screen on which an image of a superimposed projection for left and right eye views of a viewer is displayed image. The apparatus includes a mechanism for projecting the projections onto the screen image. The apparatus includes a rear retarder disposed in front of the screen image. The apparatus includes a front retarder disposed in front of the rear retarder image. The apparatus includes a mechanism for applying an increasing ramp of phase retardance across an image in the rear retarder, and applying a decreasing ramp of phase retardance across the image in the front retarder so a constant phase retardance is created across an entire surface of the screen disposed behind the rear retarder and the front retarder when seen by a viewer in front of the front retarder.

Abstract: An improved autostereoscopic display apparatus (10) forms left and right virtual images for pupil imaging by forming, through a beamsplitter (16), a real intermediate image near the focal surface of a curved mirror (24). A circular polarizer (90) is disposed at a position between viewing pupils (14l, 14r) and the beamsplitter (16), minimizing glare due to stray light reflection from the curved mirror surface.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating a visual image that is made to appear to be situated behind an architectural structure, such as a wall of a building, and is viewed through windows thereof. The image appears as an oversize object relative to the actual object. The system and method include an image recorder and/or a pre-recorded image, an image display apparatus, and a mask. Sound can be provided as required to complete the illusion. The image can be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, two viewers can see the image from opposite sides of the structure, each perceiving the image as being on the side opposite to the viewer. The system includes a video capture device and a display and an optional audio system for showing the person whose image is being projected the giant image as seen and heard by a viewer.

Abstract: A virtual image display apparatus comprises a pair of optical projection systems, each having a display device, a light source and a projection lens. The images formed on the display device are projected to an image location optical system, which comprises a light collecting lens and an optical diffusion device. The light rays from the optical projection systems are reflected at a translucent reflecting means, so that the light rays are respectively collected at right and left eyes of an observing person. As a result, the images can be recognized by the person as a virtual image in the distance. Since the optical diffusion device diffuses the light rays, in such a way that the light rays to one of observing eyes may not reach the other observing eye, so that the image information of the respective light rays can be recognized by the observing person, without causing a cross-talk.

Abstract: An image projector is supported by a vehicle to project a two-dimensional image on a projection surface, such as a portion of a windshield, an instrument panel, or a seat back, within the vehicle, for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating a visual image that is made to appear to be situated behind an architectural structure, such as a wall of a building, and is viewed through windows thereof. The image appears as an oversize object relative to the actual object. The system and method include an image recorder and/or a pre-recorded image, an image display apparatus, and a mask. Upon being projected, the image of interest is masked so that illumination falls on one or more regions of a display surface, and no illumination reaches the architectural structure outside the display region(s). Sound can be provided as required to complete the illusion. The image can be a still image or a moving image. In some embodiments, two viewers can see the image from opposite sides of the structure, each perceiving the image as being on the side opposite to the viewer.