Abstract: The invention provides a non-linear projection system, which includes a variable acuity non-linear holographic optical element (HOE), and an apparatus for creating the HOE. The projection system comprises a computer, a light valve which projects images generated by the computer, a lens train for focusing the images projected by the light valve, an HOE for the non-linear refraction of the focused images and a hemispherical viewing screen. The system additionally provides means for maintaining the center of the projected images in alignment with center of the field of view of an observer. The variation of the pixel size and spacing created by the system matches the variation of the human visual acuity of the observer permitting a realistic view to be presented while requiring a minimum of computer data to be generated and projected. The apparatus for creating the HOE utilizes a laser beam, three lens trains and a holographic recording medium.

Abstract: A display for a vehicle arranged such that displays indicating driving information such as engine speeds, water temperatures and so on are disposed in the portion other than the dash board of the vehicle whereby information form the displays can be visibly recognized form the driver's seat by projecting the same to a reflecting member disposed in the portion of the instrument panel in the dash board wherein semi-transmissable cover plates are provided on the front surfaces of the displays confornting the reflecting member as to reduce an influence of light from outside of vehicle through the windshield glass, to prevent reduction in the contrast of the display image for the purpose of obtaining a display image exhibiting excellent visibility and quality.

Abstract: An indication display unit for vehicles according to the present invention includes a reflecting member having a reflecting surface directed to a driver's seat, and an indicating device having an indicating surface directed to the reflecting surface of the reflecting member. Information concerning driving operation of the vehicle indicated on the indicating surface is projected directly or indirectly through a reflecting mirror to the reflecting member so as to be visually observed by the driver by way of the reflection thereon. The invention also includes a drive mechanism for shifting the position of the reflecting member in upward or downward to adjust the height thereof and a solenoid for pivotally shifting the reflecting mirror, when it is used, in response to the movement of the reflecting member for reflecting the information in the most effective angle toward the driver in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A CRT display system for a vehicle is provided, the system comprises a CRT for displaying images, vehicle information, or so forth, a liquid crystal panel assembly disposed in front of the CRT, a vehicle information sensor, and control means for the liquid crystal panel. The vehicle information sensor is adapted for determining whether the vehicle is running or not and whether an ambient light level is high or low to provide signals indicative thereof. The control means is operable to control the transmission factor of the liquid crystal panel so as to limit a visual angle for the driver in response to the signals output from the vehicle information sensor. When the ambient light level is low and the vehicle is running, the control means controls the liquid crystal panel assembly so as to reduce the transmission factor thereof to a first level with the result that no images from the CRT are projected to the driver through the panel assembly although passengers may clearly see the images.

Abstract: A head-up display having an image source for producing imaging illumination, an optical combiner for partially reflecting the imaging illumination to produce a virtual image of the image source that is viewable by the operator of the vehicle, and a polarizer which can be controllably interposed between the image source and the optical combiner for nighttime use. The polarizer tends to block the illumination that otherwise would produce objectionable ghost images.

Abstract: A heads-up display system for a road vehicle, comprising sensors for detecting the motion related parameters of the vehicle, computer for predicting the motion of the vehicle, and a heads-up display for displaying information within the view of the driver of the vehicle. The computer converts the predicted motion of the vehicle into an image display on the heads-up display so as to permit the driver to see the image display in a certain relationship with his view as he looks ahead of the vehicle. Thus, the driver can gain useful information on the motion of the vehicle such as limit turning trajectories and braking distances so that he can operate the vehicle more easily and more sensibly than was possible heretofore. The heads-up display preferably comprises a projector for projecting an image display on the windshield of the vehicle.

Abstract: Multiple pupils (16, 18) are formed in a projection display by employment of a field lens (14) which has at least first and second interleaved Fresnel lens segments. The first set of segments has the equivalent surface of a first lens (34) and the second set of interleaved segments has the equivalent curvature of a second lens (36), with the segments being shaped to produce two exit pupils. More exit pupils, up to four without loss of resolution, can be provided by the interleaving of further lens shapes. A separate lens face (30) controls the other dimension of the exit pupils. The additional lens face may be a Fresnel lens on the opposite side of the same lens element.

Abstract: To display various vehicle images or TV programs to a driver taking a front seat or to a passenger taking a rear seat by a head-up display apparatus for an automotive vehicle, the head-up display apparatus comprises a driver half mirror disposed on the dashboard, a passenger mirror disposed on a console box disposed between two front seats, and a projector unit having a CRT and a pivotal reflecting mirror driven by a motor from a first driver position to a second passenger position or vice versa in response to control signals from a control circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a video projection system (18) suitable for mounting in the ceiling of the passenger compartment of an aircraft for displaying video images for passengers embarked on the aircraft. The video projection system includes a video projector (19) positioned to project video images through an opening in the ceiling, a light deflector (21) positioned to deflect the light from the video projector along a different path, and a projection screen (23) positioned to receive and display the deflected video images. Various embodiments are disclosed wherein the light deflector and/or projection screen are mounted for movement from stowed to deployed positions, the deflector and/or projection screen being movable in a controlled manner that does not pose a significant safety hazard.

Abstract: An image reception system is provided with an inflatable viewing surface. A video projection system is arranged within the volume defining the viewing surface to form images on interior concave surfaces. The projected image is viewed on the outside convex surface. The concave image reception surfaces permit large area projection surfaces with a projection system having a short focal length.

Abstract: A small fraction of the area shown in an ultraminiature color transparency of a standard navigating chart is projected onto a viewing screen, and the transparency is moved by a precision step-driven transport mechanism to hold the present position of the ship (or other craft) at crosshairs on the screen. The transport mechanism is controlled by a digital electronic computer that receives data from a human operator, from speed and direction sensors carried in the craft, and/or from radio navigational-aid (such as Loran) signals. The computer includes separate dedicated microprocessors for managing the transport mechanism and the receipt of sensor or radio signals, and a master general-purpose processor for performing calculations and coordinating the system functions with operator instructions.